Before The Mars Polar Lander heads south The Mars Polar Lander ushers in a new phase of Martian surface exploration. No other lander has ever been targeted so far from the planet's equator. Never before has a lander's scientific objectives been so sharply focused on the search for water. Ultimately, the results of that search could have a profound influence on our understanding of the planet's climate and the scope of local resources that will be available to human explorers in the future.
Water is the common thread that runs through most of the secrets of the Martian climate.
It seems clear that water once flowed freely on Mars. Whatever the answers, human explorers will certainly want to understand the mechanisms that move water and dust around the planet's surface today. Layered terrain near the planet's poles, consisting of alternating bands of distinct mixtures of dust and ice, may provide answers. It is hoped that a lander designed to dig into this unique soil will help shed light on the mysteries of the Martian climate. Images and altimeter data from the Mars Global Surveyor will be used to more finely tune the landing site during the cruise to Mars.