Perseverance Sets Record for Longest Single Mars Trip

NASA's Mars rover Perseverance completed the longest single-flight journey on another planet with a 411-meter (1,300-foot) single-flight on June 19. This distance surpassed previous Mars rovers Curiosity and Opportunity, marking a first.

Perseverance's success stems from its ability to continuously navigate using real-time image processing technology, making it a "self-driving intelligent explorer" on Mars.

The rover is currently tracking rocks containing water-related clay minerals in a region called the Krokodillen Plateau in Jezero Crater. Recent analyses revealed brittle rocks, prompting the decision to return to the previously sampled, stable, clay-rich area. This decision led to the record-breaking expedition.

Perseverance has traveled 36 kilometers to date. The total Mars travel record is still 40 kilometers, held by Opportunity, but Perseverance may soon surpass that record.