# Sojourner

> former NASA Mars rover

**Wikidata**: [Q1770537](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q1770537)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sojourner_(rover))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/sojourner

## Summary
Sojourner was NASA's first Mars rover, a small robotic vehicle that explored the surface of Mars as part of the Mars Pathfinder mission. Launched in 1996, it operated for nearly three months, conducting scientific experiments and transmitting data back to Earth.

## Key Facts
- **Launch Date**: December 6, 1996, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.
- **Landing Date**: July 4, 1997, in Ares Vallis on Mars.
- **Dimensions**: 65 cm (length) x 48 cm (width) x 30 cm (height).
- **Mass**: 11.5 kg (dry weight).
- **Power Output**: 13 watts (solar-powered).
- **Operator**: Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
- **Mission Duration**: Operated until September 27, 1997, when contact was lost.
- **Named After**: Sojourner Truth, an African-American abolitionist and women's rights activist.
- **Part of**: Mars Pathfinder mission.
- **Followed By**: Opportunity and Spirit, subsequent NASA Mars rovers.

## FAQs
### Q: What was the purpose of the Sojourner rover?
A: Sojourner was designed to explore the surface of Mars, conduct scientific experiments, and test technologies for future Mars missions. It analyzed rocks and soil, and demonstrated the feasibility of robotic exploration on Mars.

### Q: How long did Sojourner operate on Mars?
A: Sojourner operated for nearly three months, from its deployment on July 5, 1997, until the loss of signal on September 27, 1997.

### Q: What were the dimensions and weight of Sojourner?
A: Sojourner measured 65 cm in length, 48 cm in width, and 30 cm in height, with a dry weight of 11.5 kg.

### Q: Who operated the Sojourner rover?
A: The Sojourner rover was operated by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).

### Q: What was Sojourner named after?
A: Sojourner was named after Sojourner Truth, an African-American abolitionist and women's rights activist.

## Why It Matters
Sojourner was a groundbreaking mission that marked the first successful deployment of a rover on Mars. It demonstrated the viability of robotic exploration on the Martian surface, paving the way for future missions like Opportunity, Spirit, and subsequent rovers. The data collected by Sojourner provided valuable insights into the geology and environment of Mars, enhancing our understanding of the planet. Additionally, the mission showcased advancements in technology and engineering, proving that small, solar-powered rovers could operate effectively in the harsh conditions of Mars. This mission inspired further exploration and scientific discovery, setting the stage for more ambitious Mars missions.

## Notable For
- **First Mars Rover**: Sojourner was the first successful Mars rover, proving the concept of robotic exploration on the Martian surface.
- **Technological Innovation**: It demonstrated the feasibility of using small, solar-powered rovers for planetary exploration.
- **Scientific Contributions**: Sojourner conducted experiments and analyzed rocks and soil, providing valuable data about Mars.
- **Inspiration for Future Missions**: The success of Sojourner paved the way for subsequent Mars rovers like Opportunity and Spirit.
- **Cultural Significance**: Named after Sojourner Truth, the rover honored her legacy and contributions to social justice.

## Body
### Overview
Sojourner was a robotic Mars rover that was part of NASA's Mars Pathfinder mission. It was launched on December 6, 1996, and landed on Mars on July 4, 1997. The rover was designed to explore the Martian surface, conduct scientific experiments, and test technologies for future missions.

### Mission Details
- **Launch**: December 6, 1996, from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17.
- **Landing**: July 4, 1997, in Ares Vallis on Mars.
- **Deployment**: July 5, 1997, from the Mars Pathfinder lander.
- **End of Mission**: September 27, 1997, when contact was lost.

### Technical Specifications
- **Dimensions**: 65 cm (length) x 48 cm (width) x 30 cm (height).
- **Mass**: 11.5 kg (dry weight).
- **Power Output**: 13 watts (solar-powered).
- **Operator**: Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL).
- **Launch Contractor**: McDonnell Douglas.

### Scientific Contributions
Sojourner conducted various experiments and analyzed rocks and soil on Mars. It provided valuable data about the planet's geology and environment, enhancing our understanding of Mars.

### Legacy
The success of Sojourner paved the way for future Mars rovers, including Opportunity and Spirit. It demonstrated the feasibility of robotic exploration on Mars and inspired further scientific discovery and technological innovation.

## Schema Markup
```json
{
  "@context": "https://schema.org",
  "@type": "Thing",
  "name": "Sojourner",
  "description": "Former NASA Mars rover that was part of the Mars Pathfinder mission.",
  "url": "https://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/mars-pathfinder/",
  "sameAs": ["https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q206855", "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sojourner_(rover)"],
  "additionalType": "Mars rover"
}

## References

1. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013