NASA releases breathtaking images of Mars to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the orbiter.

      NASA launched the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) in August 2005, and by March 10 of the following year, it had successfully entered orbit around Mars, where it is still active today.

      The data sent back to Earth by the MRO has provided an extraordinary level of detail about Mars and has enabled scientists to learn more about this intriguing planet over the years.

      For instance, during its mission, the MRO has detected indications that liquid water might exist seasonally on contemporary Mars. Utilizing the orbiter’s highly advanced HiRISE camera, this finding not only illuminated aspects of Mars’ geology and climate but also contributed to evaluating the planet’s capacity to support microbial life.

      The reliable spacecraft also collects information on the planet’s temperatures and mineral composition and is capable of probing below the surface using its radar technology.

      While its scientific contributions are both significant and thrilling, the spacecraft is particularly renowned for the remarkable images it captures from an altitude of approximately 155–196 miles (250–316 km).

      To celebrate its 20th anniversary on Tuesday, NASA shared some of these images in a post on X:

      “For 20 years, our Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has searched the planet for signs of ancient water. It has sent back photos that are not only breathtaking but also practical – they will assist us when future astronauts land on Mars to explore it. Which is your favorite?” pic.twitter.com/mc4wHYjqm5— NASA (@NASA) March 10, 2026

      One of the photos features a crater on Mars, measuring about 100 feet (30 meters) in diameter, surrounded by a massive blast zone. The explosion that created this crater projected debris as far as 9.3 miles (15 km). Blue tones have been added to accentuate the details.

      NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona

      Another image, taken by chance, shows a towering dust devil sweeping across the Martian landscape. Captured from 185 miles (297 kilometers) above, the length of the whirlwind’s shadow indicates that it reached over half a mile (800 meters) in height, comparable to the United Arab Emirates’ Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world.

      NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona

      The next image depicts an area with distinct textures on the floor of Gale Crater, where NASA's Curiosity rover landed in 2012. Blue tones have been added for improved visibility.

      The rover is still operational in that area today (the MRO has even photographed it!), gradually ascending the base of Mount Sharp (Aeolis Mons), the prominent mountain at the center of the crater. Notably, the MRO also plays a crucial role in communication, relaying data from the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers back to Earth.

      NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona

      Again, blue tones have been utilized in the following image to highlight details like the summits of dunes and ripples. Similar to Earth, many of these features evolve over time due to Martian winds constantly reshaping the sandy landscape.

      NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona

      NASA will continue to operate the MRO for as long as the spacecraft remains functional and has sufficient fuel, with intentions for it to persist into the late 2020s and potentially beyond.

      This means we can anticipate many more extraordinary images from this experienced Mars orbiter.