NASA's Perseverance rover is currently engaged in a challenging ascent of the Jezero Crater rim on Mars, a journey that commenced in August 2024.

This climb is regarded as the most difficult phase of Perseverance's mission since its landing on Mars in early 2021.

While traversing the Summerland Trail, Perseverance continuously observes its surroundings using its SuperCam and Mastcam-Z instruments.

The Summerland Trail has been identified as a relatively obstacle-free path to reach the crater rim.

Once it reaches a waypoint near Pico Turquino, the rover will conduct proximity science investigations using its PIXL and SHERLOC instruments.

The Mars2020 team is focused on documenting the environment during this ascent, while also eager to reach ancient stratigraphy at the crater rim.

Among the exploration targets is Witch Hazel Hill, an area believed to contain the oldest Martian crust accessible to the rover.

The ascent resembles running up a sandy hill, with the rover experiencing slight slips backward with each forward movement.

As it navigates this steep terrain, the rover is diligently collecting rock core samples for future analysis to investigate the potential for past life on Mars.

To navigate the challenging slopes of up to 23 degrees, the rover employs an autonomous navigation system, climbing approximately 1,000 feet (305 meters).

In addition to the rover's activities, NASA's Mars Odyssey Orbiter has reached a significant milestone in its mission to gather imagery and data from Mars.

Meanwhile, NASA is expected to provide an important update regarding Boeing's Starliner spacecraft, which is currently docked at the International Space Station.