Illustration of Mars Odyssey serving as a communications relay for the twin NASA Mars Exploration Rovers.
Illustration of Mars Odyssey serving as a communications relay for the twin NASA Mars Exploration Rovers.
Download full image ›

Communications Relay

Odyssey is serving as a communications relay station for the twin NASA Mars Exploration Rovers. Odyssey has transmitted 85% of the data from Spirit and Opportunity to Earth and will continue to provide the relay function throughout the rovers' and Odyssey's extended mission. Odyssey will also relay data from future Mars landed missions.

Odyssey relayed the first images from the Opportunity rover on landing day and has continued to send back 85% of all data from the twin rovers.
Odyssey relayed the first images from the Opportunity rover on landing day and has continued to send back 85% of all data from the twin rovers. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Download full image ›