Spirit rover's lander on Mars. Mosaic image of the lander that brought the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit to the surface of Mars in January 2004. The landing was cushioned by the airbags (white), now deflated and covered in dust (red). The rover left the central platform by the ramp (lower left). It took these pictures with its panoramic camera on 19 January 2004. Spirit will explore the Martian surface studying rocks and soil and looking for water. Its planned journey will take it towards a crater (ridge at left) and then to some hills 3 kilometres distant (horizon at far right). Part of one of Spirit's solar panels is at bottom left.