JAKARTA - Perseverance has spent almost five years exploring Mars. Even though it has observed many areas, this explorer is guaranteed to be 'healthy' for the next few years.
In the latest evaluation results revealed by NASA, Perseverance will operate at least until 2031. This durability prediction is known after a team of engineers from the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) tested all sub-systems.
Not only the entire device is able to last for the next few years, the Perseverance wheel drive components are also guaranteed to be able to travel another 60 kilometers. That way, Perseverance can observe more things on Mars.
"This test shows that the rover is in very good condition," said Deputy Perseverance Project Manager Steve Lee, quoted on Tuesday, December 23. "All systems are fully capable of supporting the long-term mission."
Currently, Perseverance is on its way to a new area dubbed 'Lac de Charmes' to collect rock samples. During its journey, the vehicle has crossed the Jezero Crater, which is the remains of an ancient lake and river.
One of the most interesting discoveries on the Perseverance journey was the 'Cheyava Falls' rock sample taken last September. The sample is suspected of containing potential traces of microbial life in the past.
More than 90 percent of Perseverance's journey now relies on highly efficient autonomous driving technology. This technology has proven to be able to accelerate the process of collecting various rock samples in extreme and rocky terrain.
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