Mars rover exploration and what it can offer – new video uploaded to AP Video Hub

In the video, he explains how and why Mars is being explored with robots and rovers, and the resulting technological advances. All videos in the Campus Insights series are free for download and use by all AP members and can be found at apvideohub.ap.org or by doing a general search on the Associated Press site. AP members may use the video or to pull quotes for print article or for broadcast or podcast. 

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Wiens led the team that built Perseverance’s SuperCam, as well as instrumentation on previous Mars rovers. He says that Martian exploration can help determine how the planet has changed over time, what resources it contains and what needs to be done for human exploration to occur in the future. Robotic exploration of Mars is more economical than if humans were sent. A rover does not require a life-support system and can operate in environments that would be challenging for a manned-mission to succeed. Wiens says that the cutting-edge equipment that has been created to explore Mars can be used to advance technology back on Earth.