This is planetary radio and this was January 3rd 2004.

Now six minutes, 37 seconds from atmosphere. January 3rd, 2004.

Now six minutes, 37 seconds from atmospheric entry, still awaiting signal that we are on the ground.

No signal at the moment.

Deep Space Network tracking stations in Canberra and Goldstone are still searching for the primary signal.

Stand by.

What do we see? And then the first pictures for The rover has landed base pedal down, which means right side up.

And then, the first pictures from Mars arrived at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory.

Yes. That microphone straining pandemonium at the landing of Mars Exploration Rover Spirit was only the beginning.

Three weeks later, Spirit's twin sister opportunity would bounce down on the other side of the planet. Today five

Earth years later we celebrate their ongoing mission of discovery.

Hi everyone welcome to Public Radio's Travel Show that takes you to the Final Frontier.

I'm Matt Kaplan of the Planetary Society.

Today we'll listen in on a special celebration of the Rovers.

Cornell Professor of Astronomy Jim Bell is President of the Planetary Society.

It's also fair to say he is the finest photographer on the Red Planet.

The author of Postcards from Mars and Mars 3D

is in charge of the panoramic cameras or pancams on both rovers.

Jim brought his three dimensional slideshow to Pasadena last week and we were there

to capture highlights of his talk. Later Amaris Fly-By Q&A from Emily Lochawala

and a festive what's-up segment with Bruce Betts.

We'll hear some inspiring words from Bill Nye the Science Guy in a few minutes.

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