The exploration of Mars has taken place over hundreds of years, beginning in earnest with the invention and development of the telescope in the 1600s. Increasingly detailed views of the planet from Earth inspired speculation about its environment and possible life – even intelligent civilizations – which might be found there. Probes sent from Earth beginning in the late 20th century have yielded a dramatic increase in knowledge about the Martian system, focused primarily on understanding its geology and possible biology. (See also: Mars landing.)

Mars exploration has been an important part of the space exploration programs of the Soviet Union, the United States, Russia, and Europe, with Japan, China, Finland, and India also attempting to do so. Dozens of robotic spacecraft, including orbiters, landers, and rovers, have been launched toward Mars since the 1960s. These missions were aimed at gathering data about current conditions and answering questions about the history of Mars as well as a preparation for a possible human mission to Mars. The questions raised by the scientific community are expected to not only give a better appreciation of the red planet but also yield further insight into the past, and possible future, of Earth.