![]() Labsphere, a Halma photonics company, has played a crucial role in ensuring these cameras can see clearly, especially in the lower light levels that exist on Mars, approximately 44% of the light level on Earth. So, you can imagine how critical the footage that the Mastzcam Z takes is for achieving the objectives of Perseverance’s mission. To put this into perspective: if the diameter of a marble was one nanometre, then the diameter of the Earth would be about one metre. They can zoom in (hence the “Z”) and focus providing a 3D and panoramic view in incredible detail – up to 0.3 microns or 300 nanometres. The Mastcam-Z cameras are mounted next to each other on masts that stand up from the rover deck and point in the same direction. However, it is the Mastcam-Z cameras that are the most essential as they will help study the Martian terrain in its primary quest to find signs of life. ![]() There are cameras that helped it look for a landing spot, cameras that checked the parachute, and cameras that will help it navigate safely across the surface, all providing invaluable data back to base. With 29 cameras onboard acting as its eyes, it is the best equipped robot yet to look for life on Mars. On 18 February 2021, NASA’s latest mission robot landed on Mars - The Perseverance Rover. ![]() ![]() One of our Halma companies – Labsphere - has played a vital role in enabling the latest search for life on Mars. Recent research, however, has concluded that ancient Mars used to be significantly wetter and warmer than we first thought and could even now be a home for microbial life. But despite dozens of missions to Mars there has been no proof that life, past or present, exists beyond Earth. Looking for signs of extra-terrestrial life has long been a plot for many blockbuster movies. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |