The Mighty Mars Rovers: The Incredible Adventures of Spirit and Opportunity (Scientists in the Field)
by Elizabeth Rusch (Author)
On June 10, 2003, a little rover named Spirit blasted off on a rocket headed for Mars. On July 7, 2003, a twin rover named Opportunity soared through the solar system with the same mission: to find out if Mars ever had water that could have supported life. A thrilling addition to the acclaimed Scientists in the Field series, The Mighty Mars Rovers tells the greatest space robot adventure of all time through the eyes--and heart--of Steven Squyres, professor of astronomy at Cornell University and lead scientist on the mission.
This suspenseful page-turner captures the hair-raising human emotions felt during the adventures with two tough rovers.
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Kirkus Reviews
Another stellar outing in the consistently excellent Scientists in the Field series.
Copyright 2012 Kirkus Reviews, LLC Used with permission
School Library Journal
Gr 7-9—Rusch covers not only the scientific aspects of Mars exploration but also the personalities of the people who made it happen, and profiles the rovers themselves, Spirit and Opportunity. Her comprehensive research shines through in her detailed style as she zeroes in on the behind-the-scenes efforts of launching a scientific mission. Full-color photographs on every page in this picture-book-size volume illuminate the Mars surface and the faces of the scientists as they agonize over communication difficulties and computer glitches and exult over the thrill of discovery. The lists of websites, archives, multimedia, and sources may inspire readers to follow in the footsteps of Steve Squyres-mission leader. The glossary is brief but helpful in unscrambling some of the "alphabet soup" of acronyms and nicknames (e.g., ATLO-Assembly, Test and Launch Operations and Pancam-Panoramic Camera) as well as scientific terms (e.g., Sol-one Martian day, or 24 hours, 39 minutes, and 35 seconds in Earth time) used throughout. Terms and photographs are indexed. This detailed look at planning, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting a highly complex scientific mission puts a human face on an incredible accomplishment.—Frances E. Millhouser, formerly at Chantilly Regional Library, Fairfax County, VA
Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permissionReview quotes
-NYPL 100 Titles for Reading & Sharing, 2012
(star) "Well documented and fully illustrated with many colorful photos and digital images, this is a book that space technology fans won't want to miss."—Booklist, starred review
(star) "This detailed look at planning, implementing, maintaining, and troubleshooting a highly complex scientific mission puts a human face on an incredible accomplishment."—School Library Journal, starred review
(star) "Rusch's account skillfully captures the exciting quest for knowledge that drives Squyres and his team through the leaps and setbacks of scientific exploration."—Horn Book, starred review
Elizabeth Rusch is the author of award-winning nonfiction titles for children, including previous Scientists in the Field titles, Eruption!, The Mighty Mars Rovers and The Next Wave. Elizabeth lives in Oregon with her family. www.elizabethrusch.com
Karin Anderson has worked for the New York Times, and the Washington Post. www.karinanderson.comJNF051170 - Juvenile Nonfiction | Science & Nature | Discoveries
Exploration
Roving vehicles (Astronautics)
Mars probes
