Mars Polar Lander Mars Descent Imager (MARDI)
The first Mars Descent Imager (MARDI) built by MSSS was flown to the red planet aboard the Mars Polar Lander. Just before the spacecraft entered the martian atmosphere, the MSSS team received confirmation that the MARDI had powered-up and was ready to take pictures during the descent. Indeed, it is possible that MARDI data were acquired, but no data were ever returned from the lander after it began its descent.
| Launch: 3 January 1999 | Landing: Attempted 3 December 1999 | Status: Spacecraft lost during landing attempt |
Descent Camera on its Way to Mars (Press Release, 3 January 1999)
MARDI Delivered to Spacecraft (Press Release, 23 February 1998)
| NASA Mars Polar Lander Official Website | NASA Mars Phoenix Lander Website |
