During Earth month January 2004, a strange sight unfolded on the planet Mars.

During Earth month January 2004, a strange sight unfolded on the planet Mars. Above a vast, dry lake bed south of the Martian equator, a conical vehicle parachuted toward the surface; then, just before touchdown, it was enveloped by a gigantic protective airbag, allowing the craft to bounce safely to a stop. Inside was Spirit, the most sophisticated rover ever launched from Earth, which NOVA covered in depth.