Next on NOVA: "MARS Dead or Alive"

http://www.pbs.org/nova/mars

Broadcast: Tuesday, August 29, 2006 (Repeat)

(NOVA airs Tuesdays on PBS at 8 p.m. Check your local listings as
dates and times may vary.)

On January 3, 2004, a strange sight unfolded on the planet Mars.
Above a vast, dry lake bed south of the martian equator, a conical
vehicle parachuted toward the surface. Then, just before touchdown,
it was enveloped by a gigantic protective airbag, allowing the
craft to bounce safely to a stop. Inside was Spirit, the most
sophisticated rover ever launched from Earth. It was created by NASA
scientists to probe the most burning questions in Mars science: Was
there ever liquid water on the Red Planet? Were conditions ever
suitable for life? "MARS Dead or Alive," which originally aired just
hours after Spirit landed on the Red Planet, covers this mission in
depth. NOVA spent months documenting the tension-filled process of
building, testing, final checkout, and launch of a pair of
spacecraft that are designed not only to be remote-controlled field
geologists but to perform in a demanding environment millions of
miles from Earth.

Here's what you'll find online:

Inquiry, Interview & More

Life's Little Essential
Everybody knows that liquid water is necessary for life, at
least as we know it. But just why exactly?

Behind the Scenes
Producer Mark Davis talks about his extraordinary experience
filming alongside the Mars Exploration Rover team.

Man on a Mission
Before launch, lead scientist Steve Squyres reveals his hopes
and fears for the rovers.

Mars From Afar
See some of the finest images ever taken of the martian surface.

Interactives & Video

Mars Up Close
Steve Squyres narrates this visual tour of the rovers' most
revealing discoveries.

Anatomy of a Rover
Examine the robotic geologists and their suite of scientific
instruments.

Design a Parachute
Create a parachute strong and light enough to safely slow the
rovers in their descent toward Mars.

From Launch to Landing
Watch an animation of one rover's fantastic journey from
Earth to Mars.

Watch the Program
View "MARS Dead or Alive" in its entirety online.

Also, Links & Books, the program transcript, and the teacher's guide.

http://www.pbs.org/nova/mars