NASA launches Mars rover Perseverance to look for signs of ancient life

News: National Aeronautics and Space Administration(NASA) has launched Mars 2020 rover ‘Perseverance.’

Facts:

• Mars Perseverance rover mission: It is a part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, a long-term effort of robotic exploration of the Red Planet.
• Objectives: 
  • Explore a geologically diverse landing site
  • Assess ancient habitability
  • Seek signs of ancient life, particularly in special rocks known to preserve signs of life over time
  • Gather rock and soil samples that could be returned to Earth by a future NASA mission
  • Demonstrate technology for future robotic and human exploration

Additional Facts:

• HOPE Spacecraft or Emirates Mars Mission: It is a Mars mission launched by the United Arab Emirates.
• Tianwen-1 mission: It is China’s first Mars exploration mission.