Now the rover is in the region. The next step is to “obtain images with greater detail that reveal where we can best explore these important rocks,” Farley added.
Perseverance landed in February 2021 inside Jezero Crater. According to mission scientists, it was the site of lakes and river deltas billions of years ago.
Such conditions should harbor microbes, meaning the delta region is a rich area to look for signs of Martian life (if there ever was one).
The rover worked somewhat south and west of its landing site during its first year (Earth) on Mars, but recently made it back through the landing area to reach the delta. Perseverance will spend about next week driving southwest, and west, figuring out the best way to explore this patch of delta.
Perseverance data shows the delta deposit is about 40 meters above the crater floor, and the team is considering two options. The preferred route, at least for now, is through the area dubbed the “Hawksbill Gap”, as it appears to be achievable in less time. But a backup option, “Cape Nukshak”, is available if data in the coming days suggests it’s a safer route.
Rover will spend about six months taking eight samples during this maneuvering campaign, called the Delta Front. The plan then calls for Perseverance to go above the delta again, perhaps taking a backup option to sample untraveled territory, to spend another six months on the “Top Delta Campaign.”
“That delta is why Perseverance was sent to the Jezero crater. This place has so many interesting features,” said Farley.
Perseverance will also try to pick up sand and rock fragments from upstream, in areas the rover is not expected to visit during its lifetime on Mars.
JPL officials added that Perseverance started its second science campaign a month earlier than expected. This is due to an improved autonomous hazard detection system that allows it to avoid obstacles in Jezero Crater such as boulders, sharp rocks, craters and sand pits. Rover was ordered to stop and turn 55 times to avoid danger during this last trip.
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