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Perseverance Mars rover sets new driving record on surface of another world
CBS News • • general
Key Points:
- NASA's Perseverance rover set a new record by driving 28.1 miles on Mars, surpassing the previous record of 28.06 miles held by the Opportunity rover.
- Perseverance reached this milestone while exploring the western rim of Jezero Crater, a site believed to contain some of the oldest terrain in the solar system and potential evidence of ancient hydrothermal systems.
- The rover's advanced autonomous navigation system, AutoNav, enables it to self-drive, avoid hazards, and plan routes, allowing it to cover ground faster than previous Mars rovers.
- Since landing in February 2021, Perseverance has helped scientists develop a timeline of Jezero Crater's formation and suggested the possible past existence of microbial life there.
- NASA has extended the Perseverance mission to continue exploring Jezero Crater's rim through the end of 2028, with expectations that the rover will continue setting distance records.
