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The string of successful surface missions has been possible only with the help of other spacecraft. From orbit, those spacecraft have taken spectacular images. They have collected important data about Martian climate and geology. They have carried cameras so powerful they can pinpoint safe places to land. Today, those spacecraft include NASA's Mars Odyssey and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The European Space Agency's Mars Express joins them.
These and all Mars missions are a testimonial to teamwork and the spirit of exploration.
Image credits: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Cornell
- U.S. Flag on the Phoenix Mars Lander
- U.S. Flag on NASA's Spirit rover
- U.S. Flag on the Viking lander