The diligent rover failed in its first attempt to collect a rock sample on Mars

Published:

7 ago 2021 13:15 GMT

According to NASA experts, the rock did not react as expected during the extraction process, probably because the sample was not obtained.

NASA’s diligent space probe fails first attempt to extract a rock sample from Mars Report US Space Agency on August 7.

Jennifer Trosper, Rover’s project manager at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said the material probably did not materialize as the rock did not perform as expected during the extraction process. The expert is skeptical about the possibility of computer failure.

Evidence collection system of diligence consists of a two-meter robotic arm, equipped with a variety of devices, including a drill. Based on the telemetry data from the artifact, during operation, the drill and sample tube will act as intended.

The spacecraft has 43 titanium sample tubes and is exploring areas of the Xerox Gorge where it will collect traces of rock and regolith (rocks, minerals and dust) from Mars. On earth.

The rover was launched on July 30, 2020 and landed on the Red Planet in February 2021. It is the first mission to collect rocks and recoliths on Mars and has a mission in astronomy, including searching for signs of ancient microbes. This will help classify the planet’s geography and past climate, as well as launch human exploration.