NASA’s Perseverance rover is currently navigating a lengthy ascent along the rim of Jezero Crater on Mars, having sent back an update on its status this Thursday.
Beginning its climb in August, this phase is one of the most ambitious and challenging since the rover’s arrival on the Martian surface in early 2021.
“My journey to the rim of Jezero Crater has been a challenging one,” the rover shared via a post on its social media account managed by NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which oversees the Mars exploration mission. “As shown in this photo captured by my rear Hazcam, I’m navigating some steep and slippery terrain. However, with the support of my team and my autonomous navigation system, I’m successfully sidestepping significant obstacles as I steadily make my way upward.”
The image below illustrates one of my six wheels and the tracks left behind as I progress on my climb.
My journey to the rim of Jezero Crater has been a challenging one.
As you can see in this image from my rear Hazcam, I’m dealing with some steep and slippery terrain. But thanks to my team and autonomous navigation system, I’m avoiding any big hazards as I slowly make my way up. pic.twitter.com/zlZRqeTPWM
— NASA’s Perseverance Mars Rover (@NASAPersevere) October 17, 2024
In a previous post, Perseverance mentioned that there are several interesting sites to investigate as it approaches the summit, highlighting an area beyond the crater known as Witch Hazel Hill. This particular location is thought to contain some of the oldest Martian crust that the rover will likely encounter on its journey.
To reach its destination, Perseverance is navigating slopes of up to 23 degrees, ascending approximately 1,000 feet (305 meters).
For the past three and a half years, Perseverance has primarily been exploring the floor of Jezero Crater and the remains of a significant ancient river delta. NASA chose this site for its mission because it was once a vast lake that could have harbored microbial life. The rover has been collecting rock samples from this area, which will be analyzed later for potential signs of past life on the distant planet.
