Instrument Host Information
IDENTIFIER urn:nasa:pds:context:instrument_host:spacecraft.mer1::1.1
NAME The Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity
TYPE Spacecraft
DESCRIPTION The Mars Exploration Rover (MER) Opportunity is one of two identical spacecraft launched in 2003 and sent to different landing sites on Mars. The Athena Science Payload on the rover enabled advanced analysis of Martian soil and rocks, with instruments mounted on a robotic arm and a panoramic camera for imaging. The spacecraft's design drew from the Mars Pathfinder Sojourner rover and included a complex entry, descent, and landing system utilizing a backshell, heat shield, and parachute. The rover was equipped with a sophisticated mobility system allowing it to traverse various terrains and was powered by solar panels and rechargeable batteries.
NAIF INSTRUMENT IDENTIFIER
SERIAL NUMBER
REFERENCES Arvidson, R.E., et al., Physical properties and localization investigations associated with the 2003 Mars Exploration rovers, J. Geophys. Res., 108(E12), 8070, doi:10.1029/2002JE002041, 2003.

Asmar, S. W., N. A. Renzetti, The Deep Space Network as an instrument for radio science research, NASA Technical Reports Server, 1993STIN...9521456A, 1993.

Crisp, J.A., M. Adler, J.R. Matijevic, S.W. Squyres, R.E. Arvidson, and D.M. Kass, Mars Exploration Rover mission, J. Geophys. Res., 108(E12), 8061, doi:10.1029/2002JE002038, 2003.

Mars Surveyor 2001, Mission Plan, Revision B (MSP 722-201), JPL Document D-16303, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, CA, 2000.

Maki, J.N., et al., Mars Exploration Rover Engineering Cameras, J. Geophys. Res., 108(E12), 8071, doi:10.1029/2003JE002077, 2003.

Squyres, S.W., et al., Athena Mars Rover science investigation, J. Geophys. Res., 108(E12), 8062, doi:10.1029/2003JE002121, 2003.