Spacecraft: Surface Operations: Rover

The Mars Exploration Rovers act as robot geologists while they are on the surface of Mars.

You can explore the various parts of the rover by clicking on the image to the left.

In some senses, the rovers´ parts are similar to what any living creature would need to keep it "alive" and able to explore.

The rover has a:

• a body:   a structure that protects the rovers´ "vital organs"
  
  
• brains:   computers to process information
  
  
• temperature controls:   internal heaters, a layer of insulation, and more
  
  
• a "neck and head":  a mast for the cameras to give the rovers a human-scale view
  
  
• eyes and other "senses":  cameras and instruments that give the rovers information about their environment
  
  
• arm:  a way to extend its reach
  
  
• wheels and "legs":  parts for mobility
  
  
• energy:  batteries and solar panels
  
  
• communications:  antennas for "speaking" and "listening"