'Mars 2020' news: NASA celebrates progress with new rover, grieves the death of a former astronaut
The Mars 2020 rover is expected to launch in July or August 2020 as part of The National Aeronautics and Space Administration's (NASA) Mars Exploration Program. The mission will continue NASA's search for potential life on Mars and active microbial life.
NASA will conduct the necessary pre-launch activities like pre-project planning, testing of instrument, landing site selection, and more. The landing site selection will ensure the safety of the rover's descent on Mars. To ensure safety, the technology comes with a new landing technique wherein the rover is able compare the orbital map of the landing site and quickly decide if the surface is safe or not.
The rover is also equipped with a new drill capable of collecting Martian rocks and then safely securing them in a cache. This opens the door for possible new discoveries about life on Mars. The Mars 2020 will also be able to investigate and analyze Mars' resources. The 2020 rover will also have 23 eyes to fully monitor every angle of the Planet. The Mars Pathfinder reached Mars in 1997 had a total of five cameras.
As part of its mission, during the entry phase, the Mars 2020 rover will automatically take pictures during its descent to Mars. With the official launch date still unknown, the landing is predicted to be dated in February 2021. The mission duration is expected to cover over 687 Earth days or at least one Mars year.
Despite progress with the preparations for the Mars 2020 space mission, NASA is grieving the death of former Astronaut Dick Gordon. Gordon, 88, was part of the second lunar landing mission of the Apollo 12. He died on Nov. 6 in his home in San Marcos, California. NASA honored the man as one of the nation's "early space pioneers." NASA Administrator Robert Lightfoot said in a statement, "We send out condolences to the family and loved ones of the Gemini and Apollo Astronaut Richard Gordon, a hero from NASA's third class of astronauts."
