After landing and opening of the petals, the Pathfinder lander transmits to Earth key data collected during the entry, descent and landing phases on the performance of the lander systems and the surrounding environment. These data will provide a better understanding of the Martian atmosphere as well as verification that the aeroshell, parachute, airbags and petals all did their job properly. In this artist's rendition, the open petals are covered with solar cells to provide electrical power for the surface operations and survival of the lander in the Martian environment. The gold thermal blanket protects the computer, transmitter and other lander electronics from the temperature extremes typical on Mars. The lander camera photographs the surrounding terrain. After examination of the first returned pictures on Earth, commands are sent which direct the microrover to drive off the lander petal onto the Martian surface. The microrover is then a free-roving vehicle with its own camera system for navigation and science investigations and is reliant on the Pathfinder lander only for communications to and from Earth. The microrover conducts technology experiments important to the design of future Mars roving vehicles. In addition, the microrover places a spectrometer against Martian rocks and surface materials to determine their elemental composition.
