This week we're covering the Perseverance Rover aka Mars 2020 Rover mission. Learn more about this incredible feat of engineering, including when it's expected to launch, some of the challenges the team has faced, and of course the science we're expected to see if and when this mission is successful.

I compiled all my favorite facts and information on WHY this mission is important. It's primed to blow us all away when it gets to the surface of the Red Planet - and we wish NASA and the United Launch Alliance luck launching on time under these pandemic conditions. They've worked hard to get us to this point! Good luck! Launch Window: https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/timeline/launch/launch-windows/

NASA team video on Perseverance mission (lots of great information): https://youtu.be/yIWyFX0uxoc

NASA Fact Sheet - Perseverance Rover: https://mars.nasa.gov/files/mars2020/Mars2020_Fact_Sheet.pdf

Mars Sample Mission Return Overview (NASA): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0PVjj0PEPMA

Antonio Paris research on Martian Lava Tubes (on Earth): https://arxiv.org/ftp/arxiv/papers/2004/2004.13156.pdf

NASA Technology onboard Mars 2020 Mission: https://mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/mission/technology/

Mars 2020 Perseverance Press Kit: https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/press_kits/mars_2020/launch/