Leonard David's INSIDE OUTER SPACE

The listening robot. New computer generated image of Mars 2020 rover.
Credit: NASA/JPL/Caltech

NASA’s 2020 Mars rover is to carry special cameras and microphones to capture stunning views and sounds of its barnstorming entry, descent and landing on the Red Planet.

The hardware will not only give the public a unique ringside seat to exploration. Such equipment can also help engineers design future robotic and human landing systems for Mars.

If all goes to plan, the Mars 2020 mission will be the most documented landing in history.

Screaming in! Mars 2020 rover’s entry, descent and landing – microphones and cameras will capture the sounds and sights.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech

For more information on how the Mars robot will be “all ears and eyes,” go to my new Space.com story:

Mic’d Up on Mars! 2020 Rover Will Capture Sounds of Red Planet

By Leonard David, Space.com’s Space Insider Columnist

August 4, 2016 07:00am ET

http://www.space.com/33637-nasa-mars-2020-rover-microphone.html