Describes a series of missions, beginning in 1996 and continuing into the first part of the next century, designed to bring back data about the surface features, atmosphere, and magnetic properties of Mars.

Readers will explore Mars' hold on humankind's imagination, early astronomical observations, and then trace the cultural history of the Red Planet all the way up to today's popular movies and books. Important details include examinations of literature such as H.G. Wells' War of the Worlds, as well as recent books and movies such as Andy Weir's The Martian. -- Adapted from publisher's description.

"In the last several decades, the United States and a handful of other countries have sent a fleet of orbiters, landers, and rovers to Mars. We've learned much about the Red Planet. No longer a place of pure imagination, Mars is a real place that we can explore. As our knowledge and technology grows, the question naturally arises : can people someday set foot on Mars? Can we live and work there in cities? Is it possible to transform that hostile,...

"This title features the missions of artificial satellites sent to Mars. Using simple text, maps, and "out-of-this-world" photography, readers learn about the Mariner missions of the 1960s/1970s, plus the U.S. Mars Global Surveyor, Mars Express, Mars Reconnaissance, and others. Also explored are the orbiters of other nations, including Russia, India, and Japan. Planned future missions are also included." --

"Using simple text, maps, and dramatic photographs, this book introduces readers to Mars, relying on the latest scientific findings from NASA and other space agencies. Features include Mars' physical measurements, its geology, atmosphere, gravity, orbit, and climate. Also covered are geographical wonders such as Valles Marineris (the largest canyon in the solar system) and Olympus Mons (the largest volcano), as well as major craters, icy poles, and...