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Today in History: NASA Loses Contact with Mars Polar Lander

12/3/2025

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Summary

Story summary

On December 3, 1999, NASA lost contact with the Mars Polar Lander just before it was expected to land on Mars. The uncrewed spacecraft, part of the Mars Surveyor '98 mission, failed to reestablish communication after its descent. A subsequent analysis indicated that premature engine shutdown likely caused the lander to crash at high velocity.

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Story summary

On December 3, 1999, NASA lost contact with the Mars Polar Lander just before it was expected to land on Mars. The uncrewed spacecraft, part of the Mars Surveyor '98 mission, failed to reestablish communication after its descent. A subsequent analysis indicated that premature engine shutdown likely caused the lander to crash at high velocity.