As of my last knowledge update in September 2021, several Mars missions were active, and new discoveries and updates were being reported. Please note that the information below may not be up-to-date with the latest developments, as my knowledge is limited to that date. To get the most current information on Mars missions and discoveries, I recommend checking the websites and news outlets of space agencies such as NASA and ESA, as well as reputable science news sources.

Perseverance Rover (NASA):

NASA’s Perseverance rover successfully landed on Mars on February 18, 2021, in the Jezero Crater.

The rover’s primary mission is to search for signs of ancient life, collect and store rock and soil samples for future return to Earth, and conduct experiments to prepare for human exploration of Mars.

The rover has been exploring the crater, collecting samples, and conducting experiments. It has already made significant discoveries, such as identifying sedimentary rocks that suggest the presence of a lake in the crater’s past.

Perseverance has also been testing the Ingenuity helicopter, a technology demonstration, which has successfully conducted several flights on Mars.

Tianwen-1 (China):

China’s Tianwen-1 mission, consisting of an orbiter, lander, and rover, successfully entered Mars orbit in February 2021 and deployed the rover to the surface in May 2021.

The mission aims to study the Martian surface, geology, climate, and search for signs of water and ice.

The Zhurong rover, part of the mission, has been exploring the Utopia Planitia region of Mars and sending back images and data.

Hope Probe (UAE):

The United Arab Emirates’ Hope Probe, or Al Amal, arrived at Mars in February 2021.

Its primary goal is to study the Martian atmosphere, weather, and climate. It orbits the planet and provides valuable data on Martian weather patterns and atmospheric conditions.

ExoMars (ESA and Roscosmos):

The ExoMars mission, a joint effort by the European Space Agency (ESA) and Roscosmos, includes an orbiter and a rover.

The rover, named Rosalind Franklin, is designed to search for signs of past or present life and is equipped with a drill to collect subsurface samples.

The mission was originally scheduled for launch in 2020 but has been delayed to address technical issues.

Ingenuity Helicopter (NASA):

NASA’s Ingenuity helicopter, part of the Perseverance mission, has been conducting test flights on Mars to demonstrate the feasibility of powered flight in the thin Martian atmosphere. It has successfully completed multiple flights and continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible for aerial exploration on Mars.

These missions and others are continually providing valuable data and insights into the Martian environment, geology, and potential habitability. New discoveries and updates are expected as these missions progress, and more missions are planned for the future, including sample return missions that will bring Martian samples back to Earth for detailed analysis.