Which mission is set to explore Mars? As humanity’s fascination with the red planet continues to grow, a new mission has been announced that aims to delve deeper into the mysteries of Mars. This ambitious mission, named Mars 2020, is poised to provide valuable insights into the planet’s geology, climate, and potential for past or present life. Let’s take a closer look at what this mission entails and what it could mean for our understanding of Mars.
The Mars 2020 mission is a collaborative effort between NASA and the European Space Agency (ESA). The spacecraft, named Perseverance, is scheduled to launch in July 2020 and arrive at Mars in February 2021. Its primary goal is to search for signs of past life on Mars and to collect samples that could be returned to Earth for further analysis.
One of the key instruments on board Perseverance is the SHERLOC (Scanning Habitable Environments with Raman & Luminescence for Organics and Chemicals) instrument, which will use a laser to analyze rocks and soil on the Martian surface. This technology is similar to the one used by the Curiosity rover, which has been exploring Mars since 2012. However, SHERLOC is expected to provide more detailed information about the chemical composition of Martian materials.
Another exciting aspect of the Mars 2020 mission is the presence of the Mars Helicopter, named Ingenuity. This small, experimental helicopter is designed to demonstrate the feasibility of powered, sustained flight on another planet. If successful, this technology could pave the way for future missions that require vertical take-off and landing capabilities.
In addition to searching for signs of past life, the Mars 2020 mission will also investigate the planet’s geology and climate. The mission will study the composition of Martian rocks and soil, as well as the distribution of water ice and other volatiles. This information will help scientists better understand the planet’s history and its potential for supporting life.
One of the most significant aspects of the Mars 2020 mission is the collection and caching of samples. Perseverance will collect samples of rocks and soil, which will be stored in a cache on the Martian surface. These samples will be targeted for future retrieval missions, which could ultimately bring them back to Earth for detailed analysis. This capability marks a significant step forward in our ability to study Mars and its potential for past life.
The Mars 2020 mission is expected to provide a wealth of information about the red planet. By combining the efforts of multiple scientific instruments, the mission aims to unravel the mysteries of Mars and its potential for supporting life. As we continue to explore the cosmos, missions like Mars 2020 are crucial in expanding our understanding of the universe and our place within it. The journey to Mars is just beginning, and the future holds endless possibilities for discovery.
