Mars surface. Fisheye lens view of the Martian surface seen by the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit as it prepared to leave its lander. The lander and rover landed on Mars on 4 January 2004. The front two wheels of the rover are at lower left and at lower right. Spirit will drive forward onto this landing ramp (white) to begin its exploration of the Martian surface. The rover had to turn on the lander to use this ramp, because an airbag was too close to the front ramp. This picture was taken on 14 January by Spirit's front hazard avoidance camera. Spirit, and an identical rover called Opportunity, will study Martian rocks and look for water on the planet.