NASA rolls out virtual Mars visits

NASA's M2K4 Web site now has an interactive program inviting users to drive virtual versions of the Mars rovers, Spirit and Opportunity.

This program marks the first time the agency has used interactive space exploration at the Web site's top level, www.nasa.gov, according to Brian Dunbar, Internet services manager in NASA's Office of Public Affairs. "We've had interactive games before, but this is probably a first for us," he said.

The M2K4 site is constantly updated with the latest pictures and data from the Mars Rover missions and interactive opportunities. The interactive program uses Flash animation to give drivers of the virtual rovers the opportunity to explore the same points of interest investigated by the real vehicles. Web visitors can navigate the planet's surface