"20 Years on Mars: Celebrating Spirit Rover's Red Planet Landing"
NASA's Spirit rover, which landed on Mars 20 years ago, surpassed its expected 90-sol lifespan, operating for 2,208 sols before its final contact in 2010. Despite initial technical issues and a failed wheel, Spirit made significant contributions to Mars exploration, including the discovery of a potential habitat for microbial life. The rover's mission ended when it became stuck in sand, but its legacy continues to inform current and future Mars missions.