A Mars Rover is a controlled vehicle that roams the surface of planet Mars.

What do they do?

They examine the territory, collect data, and search for any sign of past microbial life.

What do they have?

They are also built to function like a car, they have wheels, they move/drive around, they have scientific instruments to analyse its surroundings and multiple cameras for navigation.

How many have been successful?

They are six total successful mars rovers. Sojourner being the first, Spirit the second, Opportunity the third, Curiosity the fourth, Perseverance the fifth and Zhurong the sixth.

How many are in the pipeline?

One. ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover.

How are they created?

First, scientists first decide what data they would like the rover to collect. They then design the rover's abilities, tools and shape. Next, engineers create the rover’s body, wheels, arms, cameras, and scientific instruments. Before they release them onto Mars, the scientists test them. It is tested for shaking, freezing and driving over a fake mars. When it's ready, it is launched into a rocket from earth and takes a months to finally land on Mars. Once it lands, it starts to explore, taking pictures, analysing rocks and sending data back to Earth.

Yes, they have computers on board to control their functions, process data, navigate autonomously.

What are the type of computers?

Mars rovers like Curiosity and Perseverance use radiation-hardened BAE Systems RAD750 processors. Flash memory, DRAM, EROM.

What components does a computer usually have?

A motherboard, CPU, RAM, SSD, HDD, GPU, power supply, a keyboard and a mouse.

Data storage?

The rovers feature a 480GB solid-state flash memory drive for data storage which is vital for transmitting data from its cameras.

Data communication?

Mars Rover use high-gain antennas, low-gain antennas and UFH antennas to send data back to the Earth.