NASA’s Mars 2020 rover successfully completes its first test drive

The Mars 2020 Rover underwent its first driving test at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California on December 17th. It successfully moved in various directions and navigated small ramps over 10 hours. Equipped with an autonomous navigation system, the Rover uses high-resolution cameras and image processing software. Its wheels have been redesigned for durability, allowing it to travel approximately 200 meters per Martian day. Additionally, the Rover will carry a radar imager to collect data on Mars' surface.

What maneuvers did the Mars 2020 Rover perform during its driving test?

• It swam through water.

• It jumped over obstacles.

• It rolled forward, backward, and performed a pirouette.

• It flew around the lab.

What feature allows the Mars 2020 Rover to navigate autonomously?

• A GPS system similar to those on Earth.

• A remote control operated by NASA.

• A high-resolution navigation camera and image processing software.

• A manual control system.

What improvement was made to the Rover's wheels?

• They were replaced with tracks.

• They were painted a different color.

• They were redesigned for added durability.

• They were made larger.

How far can the Mars 2020 Rover travel in one Martian day?

• 300 meters

• 400 meters

• 100 meters

• 200 meters

What is the purpose of the radar imager on the Mars 2020 Rover?

• To communicate with Earth.

• To gather data about Mars' surface.

• To measure the temperature on Mars.

• To capture images of Martian wildlife.