NASA rover sends first high-resolution panorama image

S.NASA rover’s perseverance has been on Mars for eight days now in the Xero gorge – and the US space agency’s rover (NASA) Provides impressive data content to the public in addition to its scientific program. Jim Bell of Arizona State University described the trip as a “feast for the eyes” equipped with 23 cameras at a NASA press conference Thursday evening, in which the rover’s first high – resolution panorama was presented.

The Bell team developed the 3D dual camera used for this, the Mastcom-Z device can rotate 360 ​​degrees on a mast. Depending on the distance of the depicted object, the optics with zoom function can solve a few millimeters near and a few centimeters in the middle. It is farther away than any instrument operating on Mars to date. Diligence can identify such a fly on a football field. In the future, the rover will benefit from this capability when selecting rock models that are scientifically proven for further investigation and testing.

Panorama from 142 individual images

Panorama Figure 142 is based on the technically complex assembly of individual images, for which more than 5000 command parameters had to be determined in two years of preparatory work – among other things, the focus would be on all points correctly. Reporting Committee Member Elsa Jensen. The results of several experiments on Earth were incorporated – as well as previous experiences made by the Curiosity rover.

First, a ring was made of images on the horizon, from which the panorama was then completed to the rover. The edge of the Jesero gorge and a cliff in the former river delta are a short distance away – which was one reason to choose the landing site. The rover’s color sticker will finally be used to measure the rover’s cameras in relation to the respective light radiation.

Diligence can see more clearly than humans, but in more detail: with the help of eleven spectral filters in addition to broadband filters, cameras can evaluate the chemical details of the environment. The panorama picture was taken on Sunday and the exchange of data blocks will take some time. “Unfortunately we do not have a high speed internet connection with Mars,” Jim Bell said. There is still some growth potential.