Mars Rover Perseverance Pauses to Snap Stunning Crater Photo

NASA's Perseverance rover, which landed in Mars' Jezero Crater in 2021, recently captured an amazing view of the crater from its western slope. After exploring the crater floor, the rover began climbing the rim. On September 27, it snapped 44 photos, which were combined to create a mosaic showing familiar landmarks. The image reveals the challenges ahead, like a steep, slippery ridge. The rover team is brainstorming strategies to tackle this tough terrain. The ridge's 20-degree slope and loose sand make driving difficult. Perseverance is expected to reach the rim in December, but the journey is slow-going. Strategies include driving backwards, taking switchbacks, and sticking to the slope's edges. The northern edge approach seems most effective. Rick Welch, deputy project manager, said, "Mars didn't make it easy for us. " Camden Miller, a rover planner, added, "No rover has climbed a mountain this big this fast. " The science team wants to reach the rim's top quickly for scientific opportunities. It's up to the rover planners to find a safe way to get there.