The MRO captured the first image of a series of active avalanches near the planet's north pole in 2008. The orbiter began mapping the Martian terrain and weather to find suitable landing sites for upcoming lander missions. On 10 March 2006, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) probe arrived in orbit to conduct a two-year science survey. Spirit rover (MER-A) was active until 2010, when it stopped sending data because it got stuck in a sand dune and was unable to reorient itself to recharge its batteries. Martian dust devils and windstorms have occasionally cleaned both rovers' solar panels, and thus increased their lifespan. Among the most significant scientific returns has been conclusive evidence that liquid water existed at some time in the past at both landing sites. Both have met and exceeded all their science objectives. In January 2004, the NASA twin Mars Exploration Rovers named Spirit (MER-A) and Opportunity (MER-B) landed on the surface of Mars. The NASA Mars Pathfinder, carrying a robotic exploration vehicle Sojourner, landed in the Ares Vallis on Mars in the summer of 1997, returning many images. Contact was lost with the probe in November 2006 during its third extended program, spending exactly 10 operational years in space. This mission was a complete success, having finished its primary mapping mission in early 2001.
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