Robotic Observatories & Rovers

Perseverance Rover (Mars 2020)

Vehicle: Atlas V | Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station

Perseverance Rover (Mars 2020) mission operations

Spacecraft Architecture & Subsystem Engineering

A breakdown of the electrical power, computing payload, communication networks, and vehicle dynamics of Perseverance Rover (Mars 2020).

⚡ Electrical Power Subsystem

Fueled by an MMRTG utilizing Plutonium-238, backed by two lithium-ion batteries.

💾 Flight Command Computer

RAD750 processor running at 200 MHz, with 256 MB RAM and a dedicated 4 GB flash memory disk.

📡 Communications Antenna

Direct-to-Earth X-band high-gain dish antenna, and UHF transceiver to relay telemetry via Mars Odyssey and MAVEN orbiters.

⚖️ Mass and Propulsion

1,025 kg.