What was the singular driving purpose for sending the Spirit and Opportunity rovers?
Answer
To seek definitive proof that Mars once harbored liquid water
The fundamental objective assigned to the twin robotic geologists was to find concrete evidence confirming the past presence of liquid water on the Martian surface.
Related Questions
What was the singular driving purpose for sending the Spirit and Opportunity rovers?In what year were the Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity, launched?Where did the Spirit rover successfully land?Why was the dual-rover concept employed for this mission?Which instrument was used to expose fresh, unweathered rock surfaces for analysis?What common terrestrial indicator of water formation did Opportunity discover near its landing site?What was the initial, conservative estimate for the operational time of the rovers?For how long did the Opportunity rover continue operating, far exceeding its design specifications?What was the total distance driven by the Spirit rover before it became stuck?What was the geological advantage of landing the twin rovers in distinct regions?Which mineral discovery by Opportunity points to the existence of acidic water on ancient Mars?The success and longevity of the MER missions provided foundational experience for which later rovers?