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Imagery Captured:
January 12, 2007

NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has used its powerful High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment (HiRISE) to image the 1997 landing site of the space agency’s Mars Pathfinder.

Engineers eyeing the imagery can discern the lander’s ramps, science deck and portions of the airbag delivery system. The parachute and backshell used in the spacecraft’s dive through the martian atmosphere lie to the south, behind a hill from the viewpoint of the lander. Four bright features may be portions of the heat shield.

Credit: NASA/University of Arizona