NASA's Perseverance rover has embarked on a challenging new mission on Mars, beginning its climb up the rim of Jezero Crater after spending 3 1/2 years exploring its floor.
The six-wheeled Perseverance rover, which has been operating on Mars since 2021, began its ascent on Tuesday, aiming to reach the summit of the 1,000-foot (305-meter) crater.
The rover collected 22 rock core samples during its exploration of the crater floor (which was previously submerged in water).
These samples have the potential to provide crucial information about the ancient climate of Mars and possibly even reveal evidence of past life on the planet. Currently, NASA is exploring ways to bring these samples back to Earth, as reported. AP,
Steven Lee of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California said the bedrock at the crater's rim could provide information about the formation of rocky planets like Mars and Earth.
However, the journey is expected to be quite difficult, as the rover will have to encounter rocky terrain and slopes of up to 23 degrees in the coming months.
“Perseverance has demonstrated remarkable resilience,” Lee said, noting the rover's impressive endurance as it covered about 29 kilometers during its mission, as reported. associated Press.
The rock formations at the top of the crater may have originated from ancient hydrothermal vents, where hot water and dissolved minerals emerged after circulating beneath the planet's surface.
On Earth, similar environments, such as those found in Yellowstone National Park, are considered possible origins of life.
(With AP inputs)