NASA’s Perseverance rover, which landed on Mars in 2021, is about to embark on a new and challenging phase of its mission: a months-long ascent to the rim of the Jezero Crater. This ambitious journey will take the rover through steep slopes and difficult terrain, testing its wheels and suspension system to the limit. However, the effort is expected to yield significant scientific rewards.
The crater rim holds a treasure trove of ancient rocks, potentially the oldest ever sampled from a potentially habitable environment on Mars. These rocks are formed from diverse geological processes and represent ancient environments that could have harbored life. Scientists believe that these rocks, once analyzed on Earth, will provide crucial insights into the planet’s history, including the presence of liquid water and the potential for early life forms.
Since its landing in Jezero Crater, Perseverance has explored the crater floor and the site of an ancient river delta. This area was chosen because it was once home to an ancient lake, making it a prime location for studying the history of water on Mars, a key factor in determining if the planet was ever habitable. The rover has collected numerous rock cores, providing a wealth of information about the Martian environment.
The rover’s climb to the crater rim is the fifth phase of its mission. So far, it has completed four science campaigns, collected 22 rock cores, and traveled over 18 miles. The rover is in excellent condition, and the team is eager to explore the new terrain.
Perseverance’s ascent to the crater rim will involve traversing slopes of up to 23 degrees and gaining a total elevation of around 1,000 feet. The climb will begin this week, marking a new chapter in the rover’s exploration of the red planet.
The data collected during this ascent will be crucial for understanding the evolution of Mars and its potential for harboring life. The samples brought back to Earth will be invaluable for scientists, offering a glimpse into the planet’s ancient past and the possibility of life beyond our own.
