Rovers

Rovers are mobile robotic vehicles designed to explore the surface of planets, moons, or other celestial bodies. They are equipped with scientific instruments, cameras, data systems, and mobility mechanisms to traverse varied terrain. Rovers can be commanded from Earth or operate with onboard autonomy for navigation and science objectives, enabling extended missions without direct control.

Most rovers use wheels and a suspension system to cross rough ground. The Mars rovers Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance employ a rocker-bogie suspension that helps stabilize movement and keep a level platform over uneven terrain. Power sources vary: earlier rovers and some lunar rovers used solar panels with rechargeable batteries, while Curiosity and Perseverance rely on a nuclear-powered RTG (radioisotope thermoelectric generator) for longer life and greater energy reliability.

Historically significant rovers include Lunokhod 1 and Lunokhod 2 on the Moon (1970s) and Sojourner on Mars (1997). The Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity (2004) vastly extended the reach of robotic exploration. More recent missions, such as Curiosity (2012), Perseverance (2021), and China’s Zhurong (2021), have provided detailed geology, climate context, and high-fidelity surface imaging and sampling capabilities.

Rovers continue to evolve with greater autonomy, longer durations, and more capable scientific payloads. Their design informs terrestrial robotics and future planetary science by enabling in situ measurements, resource assessment, and technology demonstrations, including planned sample-return efforts.