Mars

Elegoo Mars 2 Pro review: a pint-sized planetary printer

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3D printing has become both more accessible and more affordable in the last few years, thanks to notable brands releasing machines like the Elegoo Mars 2 Pro that are capable of printing quickly, without sacrificing quality. This is great for folks at home looking to create small figurines for tabletop or board games, or perhaps … Read more

European Space Agency suspends Mars rover launch on Russian rocket

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A European Mars rover built in partnership with Russia will not launch to the Red Planet this year as the European Space Agency suspends cooperation with its Russian counterpart in the wake of Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine. European Space Agency (ESA) officials announced the decision Thursday (March 15) following a two-day meeting of representatives … Read more

This tech startup’s Flex modular moon rover for astronauts could lead to Mars cars

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Modular moon rovers could reduce the costs of surface exploration of the moon and, potentially, human Mars excursions, a California-based space-tech startup envisions. The start-up, called Venturi Astrolab, announced the development  of its Flexible Logistics and Exploration (Flex) rover on March 10. The rover, the company said in a statement will “enhance lunar and planetary … Read more

NASA’s Mars helicopter Ingenuity to keep flying through September (at least)

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Ingenuity‘s flying days have been extended once again. The miniature Martian chopper now has clearance to continue flying until at least September, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) announced today (March 15). As part of this extension, Ingenuity will also sport some special upgrades that will allow the 4-pound (1.8 kilograms) drone to do even more … Read more

NASA’s Perseverance Mars rover nabs 8th rock sample on the Red Planet

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NASA’s top-notch Red Planet geology rover is moving on to explore an ancient river delta now that its eighth rock sample is secured for future analysis. “Stashing my latest rock core sample (#8!) and finishing up at this location. I’m packing up and making my way to the dry river delta. Off we go,” the … Read more

Breathtaking Photos of Mars Terrain Hint at a Mysterious Cyclic Past

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A newly released image from a Mars satellite offers a glimpse into the complex past of the now dry and dusty world. From high above the surface of Mars, the orbiting High Resolution Imaging Experiment (HiRISE) homes in on the Danielson Crater, just north of the Mars equator. This region is intensely interesting to space … Read more

Could Mars ever have supported life? This NASA challenge wants your help to find out

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NASA and crowdsourcing platform HeroX have launched a $30,000 challenge to find better ways to analyze data relating to Mars‘ potential to host life. The deadline to make your submission is April 18, and you can review the full competition eligibility requirements, along with the HeroX challenge page, to get more information. The goal is … Read more

Mars helicopter Ingenuity aces 21st Red Planet flight

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The Ingenuity helicopter’s Red Planet flight tally is up to 21. The 4-pound (1.8 kilograms) NASA chopper just aced another Mars sortie, agency officials announced today (March 11). “#MarsHelicopter can’t be stopped! Ingenuity successfully completed its 21st flight on the Red Planet. The small rotorcraft traveled 370 meters [1,214 feet] at a speed of 3.85 … Read more

Mars rover wraps survey of Jezero crater’s surprising volcanic floor | Science

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THE WOODLANDS, TEXAS—After a year exploring the floor of Mars’s Jezero crater, where it gathered seven—soon to be eight—chalk-size rock samples for return to Earth, NASA’s Perseverance rover is set to speed toward its longstanding target at the crater’s edge: the remnants of a delta, deposited by water billions of years ago, that may contain … Read more