NASA’s Perseverance rover had just finished inspecting a Martian rock called “Kenmore,” and the results held information about its mineral composition and information about long-ago conditions on Mars. Once the surface was chewed up a bit, the rover extended a number of onboard instruments to analyse its contents; it reports finding clay- and manganese-rich minerals. Despite its tricky grinding behaviour, researchers were actually able to perform a full geochemical analysis of the rock. Such results contribute to the library of science that could support a potential future human mission to Mars and eventual lifestyles on Mars.
Perseverance Discovers Water-Rich Clays and Breaks Drive Record in Latest Mars Rock Study
As per NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Kenmore marked the 30th rock abraded since Perseverance landed at Jezero Crater. The rover’s Dust Removal Tool (gDRT) fired controlled nitrogen bursts to clear the rock’s surface, enabling instruments like WATSON, SuperCam, SHERLOC, and PIXL to conduct imaging and spectroscopy. SuperCam detected clay rich in water-bound hydroxides, while PIXL identified manganese hydroxide — a first in this mission. Feldspar was also detected, linking the rock’s origins to ancient planetary processes.
Abrasion allowed a detailed look beneath Mars’ dusty surface. The tailings were imaged and spectroscopically analysed and found to contain relative concentrations of iron and magnesium that are similar to hydrated minerals. The team emphasised the advantage of using gas-based cleaning methods over Earth-contaminated brushes. The comprehensive analysis supports long-term goals of determining potential for water storage, fuel extraction, and building materials.
Perseverance also broke its previous autonomous drive record on June 19, travelling 1,348 feet — equivalent to 4.5 football fields. Engineers credited AutoNav for the accomplishment, with rover drivers precisely stopping at a predetermined target. This is evidence of the rover’s capability to very efficiently cover ground as it scouts out an area of great scientific interest.
As Perseverance sheds its new-light-of-day innocence and builds mileage climbing Jezero’s rim, the more scientists learn about the surface chemistry and terrain of Mars. Every sample New Frontiers brings home helps paint a more complete picture of the history of our neighbouring planet and will make possible the safe return of astronauts, and may eventually be returned to Earth.
