Background
The Mars Polar Lander was launched from Cape Canaveral on January 3, 1999. The mission cost $120,000,000 in total. It was the first mission to be sent to Mars' polar regions.
Purpose
The Polar Lander's purpose was to dig for ice and water on Mars. It was armed with a large robotic arm to complete its primary task. The Polar Lander carried two large probes, both named Deep Space 2, that were designed to impact the Martian surface and test out new technologies.
Aftermath
The Polar Lander lost contact with Earth on December 3, 1999. Many sources believe that the Polar Lander crashed because it received a false signal, causing its main engines to shut down and eventually crashing onto the Martian surface. The spacecraft has never been found, although there are rumors that the spacecraft has been finally found.