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Intro music.

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On January 4, 2004, the Mars exploration rover named Spirit touched down on the red planet, 106 million miles from Earth.

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The first of two rovers to arrive on Mars, Spirit began its mission searching for signs of a watery history.

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The rover was designed to function for 91 days.

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However, thanks to outstanding engineering, Spirit has been roaming Mars for more than 300 days!

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After its first tentative treks from the landing platform, the rover quickly grew comfortable navigating the rocky terrain.

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Before long, Spirit was covering up to 360 feet a day and shattering distance records along the way.

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The rover's initial worksite was a rock dubbed "Adirondack."

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Using its grinding tool, Spirit became the first robot ever to carve into Martian rock.

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From there, the rover ventured to other sites like Humphrey, Ebenezer and into the Columbia Hills.

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It was in the Columbia Hills that Spirit finally hit the geological jackpot and found the mineral hematite.

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Hematite often forms in water -- water that may have nurtured life on Mars.

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How many more days the intrepid rovers drive will continue is anyone's guess.

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No matter how much longer the journey lasts, it will have been an incredible ride.