NASA is projecting to send a laboratory robot to Mars in the year 2020. After a thorough evaluation process, NASA is ready to step into the stage of design and construction of what is going to be the next enhanced Mars Science laboratory. The new rover´s design combines many features already installed on curiosity rover, and also other science mechanisms and experimenting system to allow it to perform and reach new objectives in the year 2020.
Rover 2020 mission
This rover will study a known region in Mars, which may have been suitable for the development of microscopic life.
Like curiosity, it will collect rocks and soil for study and future return to earth for further investigation. This mission is the first to intend to send sealed samples of rock and soil to earth for expanding the knowledge about life existence on Mars and to broaden scientist’s knowledge about Mars, broadening the possibilities for the future mission of humans on Mars.
2020 rover
The new rover is planned to possess many of curiosity technical characteristics, although with added science instruments and other enhancemmts to facilitate Mar´s exploration, like never before. The rover will be equipped with a new subsystem for the collection and preparation of rock and soil samples. Two science instruments will analyze the chemical, mineral and physical characteristics of samples.
The rover´s mast will be equipped with high resolution cameras and three types of spectroscopic instruments. A group of sensors will monitor weather conditions and atmospheric dust and a subsurface radar will study the surface geology.
Landing
This mission is planned to use the same landing capabilities as curiosity; however, it will also include enhanced methods, allowing it to land in more rugged regions.
The navigation instruments on board will allow the rover to analyze the terrain through the use of images taken during the descent, discarding unsafe areas for landing. This permits the rover to land in a richer scientific Mars destination and avoid extra driving after landing.
Design
Many of the rover´s instruments have already been built, such as the main components of its going to be predecessor-curiosity. The project in the present id on the stage of its final design and construction of the modernscienceinstruments that will place it ready for the 2020 Mars´ exploration.
