Mars in fiction the past; Mars is a setting rather than a goal. Mariner 4 in July 1965 found that Mars—contrary to expectations—is heavily cratered, with a very thin atmosphere. No canals were found; while scientists did not believe that Mars was a moist planet, the lack of surface water surprised them. Science fiction had so influenced real explorations of the planet, however—Carl Sagan was among the many fans who became scientists—that after Mariner 9 in 1971-1972, craters were named after Wells, Burroughs, and other authors. The Mariner and Viking space probes confirmed that the Martian environment is extremely hostile to life. By
Space Probe (Wonderland Sydney) The ride was originally known as "Space Probe 7". The Seven Network were involved in the lead up to the ride's opening, donating the network's logo and credibility. They were contracted as major sponsors, helping with advertising, promotion and the ride's title. After this contract expired the '7' was removed from the title and was thereafter known as Space Probe. Space Probe was the second Giant Drop ride manufactured and installed by Intamin. The first opened in October 1995 as at Kentucky Kingdom in Louisville, Kentucky, USA. The Intamin Giant Drop was the world's tallest free-fall ride for approximately 4