War of the Worlds had it backwards. It’s Earth who is sending curious machines to Mars to collect data.

But it’s all good, because we are only there to collect as much scientific data as we can, not to kill off any life and occupy the planet. In fact, were there any sign of life, we’d probably be thrilled. That’s what NASA scientists are hoping for with their constant barrage of Mars rovers and landers. Space.com has a thorough run down of what we have there so far and what is on the way.

Of course, Spirit and Opportunity continues to roll around on the Red Planet, far beyond their original estimated mission time. Despite rumors to the contrary, these rovers will continue to collect data as long as they are functional. Additionally, NASA has sent the Phoenix Lander to the polar caps of Mars. If all goes well, it should arrive at that destination by May 25 of this year. And finally, the aspiringly named Mars Science Laboratory will launch next year and hopefully arrive in 2010. And those are just the plans of NASA. The EU Space Union also hopes to have unmanned missions there by 2014.

Excited about our upcoming Mars missions? Think it’s about high time we started sending some manned missions? Come talk about it with us in our forums. Some of our veteran membership includes some very smart ladies who have worked with NASA in the past, they’d likely love to answer any questions you may have about the programs.

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