Mars Rover

space exploration · robotics · Mars · planetary science

Remote controlled explorers. Mars rovers are like robot cars that scientists control from Earth to drive across the red planet's surface. They can travel to interesting features, examine way more territory than rovers that stay in one place, and even position themselves in sunny spots to stay warm during Martian winters.

Smarter than stationary landers. Unlike spacecraft that just sit in one spot, rovers can move around and investigate different areas. This lets scientists learn more about Mars and also helps engineers figure out how to control vehicles from super far away in space.

Mars got a helicopter too. Scientists didn't stop at rovers. They've also sent a helicopter to Mars that can fly around and explore places rovers can't reach, making Mars exploration even more exciting.

Different from orbital satellites. Mars rovers work differently than spacecraft that orbit Mars from above. Rovers are on the ground getting close-up views, while orbital spacecraft take pictures from space. Both are important for understanding Mars.