What does it take to drive a rover that’s more than 100 million miles away? Sophia Mitchell at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory has been driving the Mars Curiosity rover since 2018. In addition to her science and engineering background, Mitchell is also an avid hiker and pilot, and explains how she combines all of these interests and skills in her job. Curiosity landed on Mars on Aug. 6, 2012, and sends back images and other science data from Mount Sharp in Gale Crater. On Feb. 18, 2021, NASA’s Perseverance rover will land on Mars at Jezero Crater. Mitchell also explains how these craters are different and why she’s excited to have a second rover exploring the Red Planet.

Gravity Assist

Gravity Assist: Driving on Mars, with Rover Driver Sophia Mitchell

Hello, we’re NASA. You may have seen our astronauts, rocket launches, or Mars rovers — but have you heard our sounds? From interviews with astronauts and engineers to stories that take you on a tour of the galaxy, NASA’s audio offerings let you experience the thrill of space exploration without ever leaving Earth.

La imagen que anhelabas era la de un poderoso dios de la guerra. El dios de la arena ordinario es inútil. Sin agua, no se puede hacer crecer una nueva vida, ni se puede moldear la arcilla.
Se rompe y se desmorona con demasiada facilidad. Yo... nunca he tenido un sentido de existencia para los humanos. Con una espada en la mano, me convertí en un objeto de miedo.
Porque mi espada mataba todo a su paso. 
