The NASA Perseverance rover, comparable in size to a car, is currently navigating steep paths on the Red Planet. It is ascending the wall of Jezero Crater, a site where water once flowed, with the mission objective of reaching the crater's edge to study scientifically significant areas on Witch Hazel Hill for potential signs of life.
During this challenging ascent, the rover captured images of the crater's interior and the tracks left by its wheels, illustrating the difficult terrain. A panoramic image, consisting of 44 photos taken on September 27 during the 1282nd Martian day of the mission, showcases key landmarks from its 3.5-year journey, including the landing site, the first sedimentary rocks, the first sample cache on Mars, and the flight zones of the Ingenuity helicopter.
According to Deputy Project Manager Rick Welch, the images reflect both past achievements and the challenging path ahead. To the right of the panorama, a slope with a 20-degree incline complicates the ascent further. Although Perseverance has previously navigated similar inclines, it now faces a slippery surface that hampers progress. Due to the difficult terrain, the rover has only covered half the distance it would typically traverse on less slippery ground.
On October 3, the team directed Perseverance to test strategies for reducing slippage. The rover attempted to move in reverse and sideways across the slope, enhancing stability. Research indicated that following the northern edge of the route, where more rocks are present, helps maintain better traction.
In a few weeks, Perseverance will reach the summit, dubbed 'Viewpoint Hill', before proceeding to Witch Hazel Hill. Orbital data suggest the presence of bright layered rocks, and the team anticipates discovering intriguing samples for comparison with the Bright Angel area, where the Cheyava Falls sample was collected.
Once the rover completes its ascent, it will scout additional locations that may hold clues about Mars' past climate and habitability. Future Martian missions will also seek signs of life in the planet's subsurface, where conditions may have once been or still are conducive to life, shielded from extreme radiation and cold.