Science & Tech · Space · 1 hr ago
NASA's Perseverance rover sets record for driving on another world
NASA's Perseverance rover has set a record for driving on another world by traveling 45.22 kilometers across Mars.
It passed the previous record of 45.16 kilometers, set by NASA's Opportunity rover between 2004 and 2018.
Perseverance has driven more than 90 percent of that distance using AutoNav, a system that helps it navigate terrain between waypoints chosen by scientists on Earth.
The rover is exploring the western rim of Jezero Crater, where rocks may be more than 4 billion years old.
Some rocks there could preserve clues about early life, and Perseverance has found a rock with features that may be evidence of ancient biology.
It is now heading to Idubi, a site that may once have had hot water circulating underground.
The mission's findings could help scientists understand the early history of Mars and whether it could have supported life.
NASA’s Perseverance rover has driven farther on another world than any previous vehicle, reaching 45.22 kilometers on Mars.
It passed the 45.16-kilometer record set by NASA’s Opportunity rover.
Perseverance has covered more than 90 percent of its record distance using its AutoNav system to navigate between waypoints set by scientists on Earth.
The rover is exploring the Lac de Charmes region on the western rim of Jezero Crater.
Its mission includes investigating ancient rocks and searching for evidence that could help scientists understand whether life existed on Mars.
- Who
- NASA’s Perseverance rover.
- What
- It set a record for driving on another world, traveling 45.22 kilometers across Mars.
- When
- It reached that distance on October 11.
- Where
- On Mars, in the Lac de Charmes region near Jezero Crater.
- Why
- It used its AutoNav system to navigate terrain between waypoints set by scientists on Earth.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
NASA’s Sojourner rover landed on Mars and covered around 100 meters.
NASA’s Opportunity rover traveled 45.16 kilometers on Mars.
Perseverance left Earth for Mars.
Perseverance’s distance reached 45.22 kilometers, surpassing Opportunity’s record.
- Perseverance distance
- 45.22 kilometers (28.10 miles)
- Previous record
- Opportunity traveled 45.16 kilometers
- Record date
- October 11
- Current region
- Lac de Charmes, on the western rim of Jezero Crater
- AutoNav contribution
- More than 90 percent of Perseverance’s record-breaking distance
What people are saying
probably older than 4 billion years
There are few rocks on Earth older than 4 billion years. So we are in an area that is very deep in the history of the solar system.