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These include sending an unmanned rover to the lunar surface as well as sending a probe to collect surface samples and return them to earth.
ECONOMIST: China launches a rocket and aims for the moon
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In the months ahead, scientists expect to probe beneath the planet's surface crust for evidence of chemistry favorable to microbial life, using the robot rover's unique high-speed drill.
WSJ: NASA's Curiosity Rover Lands on Mars
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He argues that radar astronomy, which is used to probe things like asteroids and the surface of Venus, already gives off signals that could be picked up by aliens.
ECONOMIST: An argument over whether to send messages to aliens
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Nasa's efforts to locate MPL are continuing with cameras on board the orbiting probe Mars Global Surveyor scanning the planet's surface.
BBC: Mars probe canyon crash theory
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However, there are some concerns that the fuel used in the probe, which is toxic, will land on the surface.
FORBES: Failed Russian Probe Phobos-Grunt Will Fall To Earth This Weekend
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So it was to everybody's disappointment that Mariner 4, the first space probe to fly past Mars (in 1965), revealed a place with a surface that appeared to have been static for billions of years.
ECONOMIST: Martian chronicles
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Now, using a camera onboard an orbiting probe called Mars Global Surveyor, scientists think they may have spotted something on the surface of Mars that is a good candidate for the remains of this NASA craft.
ECONOMIST: Has a missing Martian probe been spotted?