Quoted from the Space.com page, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) captured an image of Zhurong on March 11, 2022. The photo was posted by researchers from the MRO’s powerful HiRISE (High Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) camera.
Even though the MRO orbited 179 miles (288 kilometers) above, HiRISE managed to capture about 0.93 miles (1.5 km) of the track Zhurong had created from the contrast-enhanced image. The Zhurong rover is on its way south since landing in May 2021 or 10 months ago.
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The photo shows that the rover visited the location of the parachute and shell that slowed Zhurong’s descent as it landed through Mars’ thin atmosphere. Zhurong was detected observing Martian surface features, including dunes.
Zhurong is part of China’s Tianwen 1 mission, which also includes an orbiter. Last month, the orbiter marked one full year (Earth) around the Red Planet. Zhurong remained attached to the orbiter for several months before separating for a May 2021 landing.
Read also; After Mars, China Plans to Explore Jupiter
(wib)
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