In 1971 mariner 9 entered orbit around mars, being the first spacecraft to orbit any body other than the moon, sun or earth; Following in the same year were the first uncontrolled impact (mars 2) and first … Nasa’s real-time portal for mars exploration, featuring the latest news, images, and discoveries from the red planet.

And in its own way, the planet’s rusty red surface tells a story of destruction. Mars once had liquid water on its surface and could have supported life. Scientists are uncovering how mars transformed into the cold, dry desert world it is today.