August 16th, 2024

NASA's Perseverance Rover to Begin Long Climb Up Martian Crater Rim

NASA's Perseverance rover will start its ascent of Jezero Crater's western rim on August 19, 2024, to investigate ancient geological features and gather samples for understanding Mars' history and habitability.

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NASA's Perseverance Rover to Begin Long Climb Up Martian Crater Rim

NASA's Perseverance rover is set to begin a challenging ascent up the western rim of Jezero Crater, starting the week of August 19, 2024. This climb marks the beginning of the rover's fifth science campaign after 2½ years of exploration on the crater's floor and river delta. The mission has already collected 22 rock cores and traveled over 18 miles. The rover will investigate two priority areas at the top, named "Pico Turquino" and "Witch Hazel Hill," which are believed to contain ancient geological features linked to Mars' past climate and potential habitability. The ascent will involve navigating steep terrain, with slopes reaching up to 23 degrees, and will culminate at a location called "Aurora Park." The rover's auto-navigation capabilities will be crucial for minimizing hazards during the climb. The mission aims to gather more samples that could provide insights into Mars' geological history and the possibility of ancient life. Perseverance's findings will contribute to NASA's broader goals of understanding Mars and preparing for future human exploration.

- Perseverance rover begins ascent of Jezero Crater rim on August 19, 2024.

- The mission has completed four science campaigns and collected 22 rock cores.

- Key areas of interest at the top include "Pico Turquino" and "Witch Hazel Hill."

- The climb involves navigating steep terrain with slopes up to 23 degrees.

- Findings will enhance understanding of Mars' geological history and potential habitability.

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