NASA's Perseverance Just Broke The Off-World Driving Record, While Mostly Steering Itself
NASA's Perseverance rover has set a new distance record for driving on another world. Operating on Mars, the rover reached an odometer reading of 28.10 miles or 45.22 kilometers on sol 2,006. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by the Opportunity rover. Perseverance accomplished the milestone in 5.5 years, a feat that took Opportunity almost 15 years. Much of the journey across the Martian surface was driven using autonomous navigation, with the rover largely steering itself along its historic path.
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- ✓ On sol 2,006 Perseverance's odometer reached 28.10 miles (45.22 km), passing Opportunity's record for the farthest anyone has driven on another world.
- ✓ It took the rover 5.5 years to reach the milestone, whereas Opportunity needed almost 15 years.
- ✓ Perseverance used autonomous navigation to manage much of its journey on Mars.
What changed
Perseverance officially broke the off-world driving record previously held by Opportunity after reaching 28.10 miles on sol 2,006.
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NASA Perseverance Rover Breaks Off-World Driving Record
NASA's Perseverance rover has set a new distance record for driving on another world. Operating on Mars, the rover reached an odometer reading of 28.10 miles or 45.22 kilometers on sol 2,006. This achievement surpasses the previous record held by the Opportunity rover. Perseverance accomplished the milestone in 5.5 years, a feat that took Opportunity almost 15 years. Much of the journey across the Martian surface was driven using autonomous navigation, with the rover largely steering itself along its historic path.
Why it matters
Perseverance launched from Earth in July 2020 during a period of global challenges. The rover recently captured images of Earth visible behind Mars' moon Phobos in July 2026. Autonomous steering capabilities allow the robotic vehicle to navigate complex terrain with minimal human intervention.
What is confirmed
- On sol 2,006 Perseverance's odometer reached 28.10 miles (45.22 km), passing Opportunity's record for the farthest anyone has driven on another world.
- It took the rover 5.5 years to reach the milestone, whereas Opportunity needed almost 15 years.
- Perseverance used autonomous navigation to manage much of its journey on Mars.
What to watch next
- Further updates from NASA regarding Perseverance's continued exploration and odometer readings on Mars.
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