We just learned about the exploration of Mars with the Viking missions.
We've learned about the spacecrafts that flew near the planet Mars, and the ones that landed on the planet to take measurements.
The latest and best spacecrafts to visit Mars have been rovers.
These are types of spacecrafts that travel to the planet, then a small thing like a car drives around the planet studying it and sending information back to scientists on Earth.
The US has had some really good luck sending rovers to Mars!
1997 - Mars Pathfinder
2003 - Two rovers: Opportunity and Spirit
2012 - Curiosity
These rovers have really helped us learn about the planet Mars, the dirt and air and send back lots of great pictures!
(from: wikipedia - curiosity (rover))
Kid Facts - Blast from the past: Black Dwarf
