The program also has funding to continue monitoring the mysterious planet for another 14 months. Its observations have startled scientists and revived debate about the possibilities of liquid water relatively close to the surface of Mars.
Water is believed to be a key ingredient for biological life to arise.
Mars Global Surveyor uncovered evidence of a large ancient ocean, as well as rock deposits typical of lakes and shallow seas. It found that Mars once had a magnetic field and that volcanism played a greater role in the planet's history than previously thought. Scientists want to continue to use surveyor's high-resolution camera to hunt for gullies along cliff walls and in craters. The channels may have been carved by water. The probe also will be used to hunt for landing spots for future missions.