ⓘNASA
NASA’s Perseverance rover has been exploring Mars since 2021. The rover will take pictures of its surroundings every few feet as it moves around the Red Planet, taking into account wheel slippage. However, small errors accumulate over time. On long drives, the rover can be more than 100 feet (up to 35 meters) away. When this happens, the rover will stop, thinking it may be near dangerous terrain. Then wait for instructions from Earth. This process may take a day or more. A new technology called Mars Global Localization avoids this time-consuming process.
On February 2, Perseverance’s navigation camera (navcam) took a 360-degree view of the surrounding terrain at a location called “Mala Mara.” This area is a nondescript area on the rim of Jezero Crater. The images were stitched into an overhead circular image called an orthomosaic. Onboard algorithms then matched the images with orbital images from the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). This allowed the rover to determine its location with an accuracy of 10 inches. The entire process took only about 2 minutes.
The algorithm runs on the processor Perseverance previously used to communicate with the now-retired Ingenuity Mars helicopter. This allows Perseverance to determine its own position and continue on a pre-planned route without having to stop and wait for instructions.
Throughout my life, I have always been fascinated by and even addicted to technology and digital devices. I’m always amazed at the complexity of the simplest digital devices and systems around us. I’ve been writing and publishing online for about six years, but just over a year ago I found myself falling in love with the wonders of the smartphones and laptops we have in our hands every day. I developed a passion for learning about new devices and the technology that goes with them, and at some point I asked myself, “Why not get involved in writing about technology?” It’s no use saying that I followed up on that idea – it’s obvious. I am an open-minded person who finds endless joy in researching and discovering new information. I believe there is a lot to learn and life is very short, so I use my time wisely to learn new things. I’m a “bookworm” of the internet and digital devices. When I’m not writing, you can still find me on your devices. I explore and admire the beauty of nature and living things. I am a quick learner, adapt quickly to change, and always look forward to new adventures.