What is a Rover?
A rover is a type of robotic spacecraft that is designed to explore planetary surfaces. These autonomous vehicles are equipped with various scientific instruments to conduct experiments, collect data, and transmit information back to Earth.
Types of Rovers
- Lunar Rovers: These rovers are used to explore the surface of the moon.
- Mars Rovers: These rovers are designed to explore the surface of Mars.
- Exoplanet Rovers: These rovers are envisioned to explore the surfaces of planets outside our solar system.
Examples of Rovers
One of the most famous rovers is NASA’s Curiosity rover, which has been exploring the surface of Mars since 2012. Another notable example is China’s Yutu rover, which has been deployed on the moon.
Case Studies
In 2004, NASA’s Spirit and Opportunity rovers landed on Mars and discovered evidence of past water activity on the planet. This discovery revolutionized our understanding of Mars’ history.
Statistics
According to NASA, the Curiosity rover has traveled over 21 kilometers on the surface of Mars and has transmitted over 700,000 images back to Earth.
