Goals: Mars Pathfinder was designed primarily to demonstrate a low-cost way of delivering a set of science instruments and a free-ranging rover to the surface of the Red Planet. The unique airbag system cushioned the lander in a cocoon after a parachute and rocket descent through the thin Martian atmosphere.

Accomplishments: Mars Pathfinder demonstrated a number of innovative, economical, and highly effective approaches to spacecraft and mission design. The wagon-sized Sojourner rover was the forerunner of more advanced rovers such as Spirit, Opportunity and Curiosity. Both Spirit and Opportunity used a variation of the airbag system to land on Mars. The Carl Sagan Memorial Station also used an innovative petal design that unfolded after landing, exposing its science instruments and releasing the rover to explore surrounding rocks.

In addition to its engineering accomplishments, Pathfinder made significant contributions to what was known about Mars' geology and meteorology at the time.