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Updated: Aug 4, 2026

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Bringing the Visible Universe into Focus with Robo-AO
Published on: February 12, 2013
The Spirit Rover's Athena science investigation at Gusev Crater, Mars
S W Squyres1, R E Arvidson, J F Bell
1Department of Astronomy, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, USA. squyres@astro.cornell.edu
Summary
The Mars Exploration Rover Spirit investigated Gusev crater, finding no lake sediments. Instead, basaltic rocks show evidence of minor water alteration, possibly buried by later lava flows.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Geology
- Astrobiology
Background:
- The Gusev crater on Mars was hypothesized to be a former lake.
- Previous investigations aimed to find evidence of lacustrine sedimentation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the Gusev crater landing site using the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit.
- To determine the presence and nature of geological processes and potential aqueous alteration.
Main Methods:
- Utilized the Mars Exploration Rover Spirit and its Athena science payload.
- Analyzed the dominant lithology and geological processes at the landing site.
Main Results:
- No clear evidence for lacustrine sedimentation was found.
- The dominant lithology is basalt, with impact events and eolian transport being the primary geologic processes.
- Many rocks exhibit coatings suggesting minor aqueous alteration.
Conclusions:
- The Gusev crater landing site is predominantly basaltic, shaped by impacts and wind.
- Evidence suggests past minor aqueous alteration, but any potential lake sediments appear to be buried.
- Further research is needed to understand the full geological history and potential for past habitability.
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