tech
The first self-driving vehicle on Mars has proven to be a smashing success
About 90 percent of the distance driven by Perseverance has been autonomous.
TL;DR
- NASA's Perseverance rover will soon break the record for the most distance driven by any vehicle on another world.
- The rover's record-breaking distance is largely attributed to its advanced auto-navigation system, similar to self-driving cars on Earth.
- Perseverance's autonomous driving capability allows it to process terrain and calculate safe routes onboard, with about 90% of its distance driven autonomously.
- This contrasts with the Curiosity rover, whose older computer limits autonomous driving to about 10%, resulting in less distance covered over a longer period.
- The rover's self-driving ability complements its scientific mission by allowing it to cover more ground and explore diverse locations within Jezero Crater.
- Perseverance is studying some of the solar system's oldest rocks, dating back about 4 billion years, to understand Mars' ancient geological and environmental conditions, including its potential for life.
- The rover's wheels have been redesigned and show no significant wear, and its actuators are being certified for even longer distances than initially tested.
- With no propellants or lubricants and operating on RTG power, Perseverance is expected to continue driving for many years.