J.R. Johnson

Here’s a good use for self-driving technology (just on another planet):

The first self-driving vehicle on Mars has proven to be a smashing success

Much like self-driving cars on Earth, Perseverance has sophisticated onboard cameras that image the surrounding terrain, and these images are then processed algorithmically by an onboard computer to calculate the safest route. Terrestrial vehicles have some advantages of course, like clearly defined maps, street signs, lanes, and more. Additionally there are plenty of “road” hazards on Mars, from large boulders to sandy slopes. But at least Perseverance does not have to contend with other traffic and bad drivers.

Here’s how far the little rover has come:

Perseverance Mars Rover Drive Path Animation – YouTube

Want to know where Perseverance is now? Here’s the Perseverance Rover Location Map.

Scroll and pan around this map to see the rover’s latest location and traverse path, as it seeks signs of ancient life and collects samples of Mars rock and regolith (broken rock and dust) for potential future return to Earth.

Here’s to Perseverance!

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