What was the purpose of the Mars Global Surveyor launched in 1996?

The Mars Global Surveyor was specifically designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of Mars, focusing on its geology, resources, climate, and weather. Launched in 1996, this spacecraft played a crucial role in mapping the Martian surface and gathering data on its atmosphere. It utilized various instruments to examine surface features, thereby enabling scientists to understand the planet's geological history, weather patterns, and potential resources.

By undertaking global and high-resolution mapping of Mars, the Mars Global Surveyor could identify and characterize landforms, track seasonal changes, and assess weather phenomena, offering invaluable insights into Martian conditions and helping inform future explorations. Its findings contributed significantly to our understanding of the planet and paved the way for subsequent missions aimed at further exploration of Mars.