Perseverance Count Down!

Perseverance Count Down!

We are nine days away from the landing of Perseverance on Mars, the rover that was launched in 2020, seven months ago.

SO, what do you need to know for the live viewing?

This rover is not the first on mars but is the first of its kind. It will continue to conduct robotic field geology searching for signs of past life, as did its predecessors, but will also focus on tests that may determine the possibility for future human life. This new technology, called Moxie, tests the cabalilties of extracting oxygen from the CO2 atmosphere. Perseverance also carries a pair of microphones, which will provide historic audio of Martian sounds, such as arrival, landing, wind, and other ambient noise.

These studies help test ways to use Mar’s natural resources to support human explorers and improve designs for life support, transportation, and other systems for living and working on Mars.

Another unique feature on Perseverance is the terrain relative navigation. This new landing technique allows the rover to determine where it is landing and avoid hazardous terrain. To assist in landing it also has an extra feature called range trigger. It allows the parachute to open at the exact range necessary to accurately land the desired landing spot.

Additional new functions:

-Sample collection and caching system, allows 20 samples to be collected for future retrieval and testing on Earth.

-The Mars Helicopter, if successful will be the first flying device on Mars. (This guy is VERY cool!)

-Rimfax, ground penitrating radar

-23 cameras

-Bringing Spacesuit materials for testing

Perseverance is loaded with advanced tools that are well worth extra research. This is one impressive, exciting rover! https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/

To prepare here is a list of fun activities you and your family can do:

• Get Your Landing Resources
  Posters, stickers, fact sheets, mission patches and more.
• Ways To Participate
  Try the Photo Booth, Send Your Name on the next mission to Mars, and check out other interactive experiences.
• Watch Online
  Our quick guide to the TV programs coming up you can watch online.
• Mission to Mars Student Challenge
  Get Mars-related webcasts for learners of all ages, along with lessons and activities for students.
• Register for a Virtual Landing Event 
  Get notifications about landing opportunities, programming, and other mission information, plus a landing stamp for your virtual passport.
• Virtual NASA Social 
  Connect online with other space enthusiasts, ask questions and get answers from NASA experts. Get a special badge to share online or print at home.

On Landing Day, Feb. 18, 2021:

• Tune in to Watch Live
  The NASA TV broadcast from Mission Control starts at 11:15 a.m. PST/2:15 p.m. EST.

After Landing:

• Explore Mars with Perseverance
  As the rover begins its mission at Jezero Crater, visit the mission website for the latest news and images every day.