RT @NASA: For an update on our Mars Sample Return Program to bring scientifically selected samples back to Earth, tune in Tuesday, Jan. 7, at 1pm ET (1800 UTC) as @SenBillNelson and @NASAScienceAA provide details: go.nasa.gov/3W6JMbb
From saying goodbye to my pal Ingenuity to reaching the rim of Jezero Crater after a long, treacherous climb... Here are some of my biggest moments of 2024. 🧵
And after more than three years of exploring the floor of Jezero Crater, I had a monthslong journey to the crater’s rim that involved about 1,000 feet (300 m) of elevation gain and slopes as steep as 23 degrees. go.nasa.gov/49Bn4xr
In July, I spotted and sampled “Cheyava Falls,” a vein-filled rock that has some indications it may have hosted ancient microscopic life billions of years ago.
Further research is needed, but here's what we know now: go.nasa.gov/3WDv6kH
While there's no Halloween on Mars, I observed this “googly-eyed” transit of the Martian moon Phobos passing in front of the Sun just in time for the eerie season on Earth. go.nasa.gov/48vJm3m
Have you ever tried to climb up a steep, slippery slope? Yeah, it's not easy!
To reduce slippage on my way to the Jezero Crater rim, my team has had to test a few strategies, including driving backwards! More on my progress and what lies ahead: go.nasa.gov/4i0Q5Gv
That's how I felt when I observed this transit of the Martian moon Phobos! The pupil in this "googly eye" is the potato-shaped moon, and the iris is our Sun. Learn more: go.nasa.gov/48vJm3m
As I continue to climb to the Jezero Crater rim, I stopped to take in the view and saw everything from my landing spot to the backup samples I left on the surface.
My journey to the rim of Jezero Crater has been a challenging one.
As you can see in this image from my rear Hazcam, I’m dealing with some steep and slippery terrain. But thanks to my team and autonomous navigation system, I'm avoiding any big hazards as I slowly make my way up.
As I make my way to the rim of Jezero Crater, the terrain is expectedly steep and rocky, but I’m getting through it thanks to my team and my self-driving autonomous navigation system, AutoNav.
Update: I've started my climb up the Jezero Crater rim!
My team has a few spots for me to explore along the way – but they're most excited about an area over the crest and outside the crater called Witch Hazel Hill, which includes the most ancient Martian crust on my journey. https://twitter.com/NASAPersevere/status/1823847477315035642#m
After more than two years of exploring the Jezero Crater floor, I’m about to start a months-long journey to the crater’s rim. The climb will include about 1,000 ft (300 m) in elevation gain with slopes as steep as 23 degrees. 📈
After more than two years of exploring the Jezero Crater floor, I’m about to start a months-long journey to the crater’s rim. The climb will include about 1,000 ft (300 m) in elevation gain with slopes as steep as 23 degrees. 📈
