1The Ultimate Space Robots
Mars rovers are the high-tech eyes and ears of scientists on Earth. Because the Red Planet is millions of miles away, these car-sized robots must be incredibly tough. Rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance are equipped with specialized tools, including high-definition cameras, lasers to zap rocks, and robotic arms for drilling. Unlike a toy remote-controlled car that reacts instantly, rovers have to wait for instructions to travel through deep space at the speed of light. They are built to survive freezing temperatures and giant dust storms while they search for signs of ancient water and potential life.
2Legendary Martian Explorers
Over the years, several famous rovers have called Mars home. One of the most amazing stories is the Opportunity rover, which was originally designed to last only 90 days but ended up exploring for nearly 15 years! Today, the Perseverance rover is busy exploring an ancient dried-up lake called Jezero Crater. It didn't travel alone, either—it carried a tiny helicopter named Ingenuity on its belly. This historic mission proved that we could fly an aircraft in the thin Martian atmosphere, opening up a whole new way to scout the rocky terrain from above.
3Driving on a Distant World
Navigating Mars is a slow and careful process. Because there are no paved roads, rovers use six sturdy wheels with special treads to climb over boulders and through soft sand. Scientists on Earth use 3D goggles to see what the rover sees and plan a safe path. However, because Mars is so far away, it can take up to 24 minutes for a radio signal to reach the planet. This means rovers are programmed with a bit of 'artificial intelligence' so they can detect obstacles and stop themselves if they sense they are heading into a dangerous crater.
