Written by expert author who previously worked with NASA and the USAF. Full of images, diagrams and animated mock-ups. Looks at the history of the Mars programmes and their future. Inspiring science fiction writers for decades, it was no surprise when the space age began in the late 1950s that Mars was an early target for exploration. The earliest attempts were probes designed to fly past and take pictures of the planet. In the 1970s, the first orbiters touched down and showed the reality of the planet. By the turn of the century, small roving vehicles had started exploring the surface and, within the last decade, larger vehicles powered by radioactive isotopes have been moving out further and further from their landing sites. Mars continues to be a source of fascination and future exploration. With over 180 images, this book tracks the creation and implementation of the Mars rovers and the exploration that has occured on the planet so far. AUTHOR: David Baker worked with NASA and the US Air Force before turning to consultancy with a company based in London and an office in the US. He has received several national and international awards for his writing and for participation in the early US space programme. He has been editor of two Jane's yearbooks, as well as Aviation News and SpaceFlight magazines. He has written more than 120 books on aviation and space history and regularly consults for governments and corporations on space analytics and strategy. During the 1980s, he was elected to membership of the International Academy of Astronautics and has made numerous media appearances in the UK and overseas. He is also a lecturer and tutor for extra-mural studies at residential colleges. 180 colour illustrations