First operational rover on another planet

NASA's Mars Pathfinder mission marked a pivotal advancement in space exploration with the deployment of the Sojourner rover on Mars. This mission was designed to demonstrate the feasibility of using a rover to explore the Martian surface, collect data, and transmit information back to Earth. The Sojourner rover was equipped with a range of scientific instruments, including cameras and sensors, which allowed it to analyze the Martian soil and atmosphere. The successful deployment of Sojourner represented a significant leap in robotic exploration, as it was the first time a rover operated on another planet, providing valuable insights into Mars' geology and climate. The mission lasted for about three months, during which Sojourner traveled over 100 meters and conducted numerous experiments, sending back data that contributed to our understanding of the Martian environment.