Mars glider. Computer illustration of the deployment of a Mars glider above the surface of Mars. The glider would be folded up in a capsule (top right) to save space on its journey to Mars on board a probe, and would unfold in the atmosphere (upper right). It would then fly a predetermined course over Mars, mapping the surface as it did so. This glider was designed for a NASA project which intended to fly a controlled aircraft on Mars in 2003 to mark the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers' first powered flight on Earth. The project has been cancelled due to a lack of funds.