A Roundup of NASA’s Martian Rovers: A Gallery

Feb. 22, 2021
NASA just landed its fifth rover on Mars, Perseverance. Here’s a quick look at all the rovers that have made that trip over the last quarter of a century.

Since the late 1990s, NASA has been sending rovers on exploratory missions to Mars. And understandably so—they are far less expensive than manned missions and carry no risk to human life.

There have been five in total: Sojourner, the identical twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity, Curiosity, and, now, Perseverance.

Here’s a look at them all.

Sponsored Recommendations

Sept. 16, 2025
From robotic arms to high-speed conveyors, accuracy matters. Discover how encoders transform motor control by turning motion into real-time datadelivering tighter speed control...
Sept. 16, 2025
Keep high-torque gearboxes running efficiently with external lubrication and cooling systems delivered fast. Flexible configurations, sensor-ready monitoring, and stocked options...
Sept. 16, 2025
Now assembled in the U.S., compact P2.e planetary gear units combine maximum torque, thermal efficiency, and flexible configurations for heavy-duty applicationsavailable faster...
Sept. 16, 2025
Safety in automation goes beyond fences and emergency stops. Learn how functional safety actively monitors and controls motiondelivering smarter protection, greater flexibility...

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Machine Design, create an account today!