Launching a rover to another planet or our moon is no small feat. But once it’s there, the real challenge begins: getting it to drive and explore. Over the decades, humans have successfully landed seven rovers on the moon and six on Mars, accumulating a combined distance of over 137 miles. Currently, four rovers are still active: NASA’s Curiosity and Perseverance on Mars, and China’s Zhurong on Mars and Yutu-2 on the moon. The Soviet Union also achieved lunar and Martian rover landings.
Let’s delve into the distances these intrepid explorers have covered, ranking the 13 rovers based on their total mileage on the moon and Mars.
13. Sojourner: The Pioneer (330 feet)
The Sojourner rover, a trailblazer in Martian exploration, landed in 1997. This small rover, weighing just 25 pounds and standing less than 11 inches tall, served as a crucial test for wheel designs and rock composition analysis.
During its 83 sols (Martian days), equivalent to 85 Earth days, Sojourner traveled a total of 330 feet, paving the way for future rover missions. The limited distance traveled by Sojourner provides a stark contrast to the journeys undertaken by its successors.
12. Yutu: China’s First Lunar Rover (377 feet)
China’s first lunar rover mission, Yutu, landed on the moon in late 2013. Equipped with ground-penetrating radar and soil composition measurement instruments, Yutu traversed 377 feet before becoming immobile in early 2014. Despite its immobility, it continued to collect data until 2016.
11. Zhurong: Exploring the Red Planet (Unknown)
Launched around the same time as Perseverance, Zhurong is part of China’s Tianwen-1 mission, which also includes an orbiter and lander. Zhurong landed on Mars in May and is currently exploring a region approximately 1,000 miles from Perseverance.
Its mission involves searching for signs of past life and subsurface ice deposits, which could be valuable for future crewed missions. As of the latest available information, the exact distance traveled by Zhurong has not been officially released, but it is likely more than the Sojourner and Yutu rovers.
10. Yutu-2: Exploring the Far Side of the Moon (2,325 feet)
Yutu-2 landed on the far side of the moon in early 2019. As of May 2021, this rover had traveled approximately 2,325 feet (0.4 miles).
Yutu-2 continues to operate, gathering data on the lunar surface and expanding our understanding of this relatively unexplored region. Its extended operational life and the discoveries it has made highlight the success of China’s lunar exploration program.
9. Perseverance: The Sample Collector (1+ mile)
NASA’s Perseverance rover landed on Mars in February 2021 and has already covered over one mile. It is currently exploring an ancient lakebed, searching for evidence of past microbial life.
Equipped with advanced instruments, Perseverance analyzes rocks, soil, and the atmosphere, preparing samples for a future return to Earth. The Ingenuity helicopter, which accompanied Perseverance, has flown over a mile in the Martian atmosphere, demonstrating the potential for aerial exploration.
8. Spirit: A Martian Explorer (4.8 miles)
Spirit, one of NASA’s Mars Exploration Rovers, landed on Mars in 2004. Designed to last 90 sols, Spirit exceeded expectations and operated for over five Earth years.
Spirit traveled 4.8 miles before becoming stuck in Martian soil, providing valuable data about the planet’s geology and environment.
7. Lunokhod 1: The First Lunar Rover (6.5 miles)
Lunokhod 1, launched by the Soviet Union in 1970, was the first rover to explore a celestial body beyond Earth. Operating for over 10 Earth months, far exceeding its planned three-month mission, it covered 6.5 miles on the lunar surface.
Lunokhod 1 transmitted images and collected soil data, significantly contributing to our understanding of the moon.
6. Curiosity: Unveiling Martian Secrets (16.2 miles)
Curiosity landed on Mars in 2012 and continues to explore the planet. As of early August, it has traveled 16.2 miles. Curiosity’s mission focuses on searching for evidence of past habitable conditions and examining Mars’ atmosphere and geology.
This rover remains active, providing ongoing insights into the Red Planet.
5, 4, 3. Lunar Roving Vehicle: Driven by Astronauts (16.5 – 22.3 miles)
From 1971 to 1972, NASA deployed three Lunar Roving Vehicles (LRVs) during the Apollo missions. These rovers were driven by astronauts, enabling extensive exploration of the lunar surface.
The Apollo 15 astronauts drove 17.3 miles, while the Apollo 16 rover covered 16.5 miles. The Apollo 17 astronauts achieved the longest distance, driving 22.3 miles and reaching a top speed of 11.2 miles per hour.
2. Lunokhod 2: The Soviet Sequel (24 miles)
The Soviet Union’s second lunar rover, Lunokhod 2, landed on the moon in 1973. Despite operating for only about four months, it traveled 24 miles. Like its predecessor, Lunokhod 2 transmitted images and conducted soil tests, further enhancing our knowledge of the moon.
1. Opportunity: The Longest Journey (28.1 miles)
Opportunity landed on Mars in 2004 and continued its mission until 2018.
Outperforming all other rovers, Opportunity holds the record for the longest distance traveled by a rover on another planet: 28.1 miles. Its remarkable journey provided invaluable data about Martian geology and the potential for past water activity.
The distances traveled by these rovers represent significant achievements in space exploration. From the short journey of Sojourner to the record-breaking trek of Opportunity, each mission has expanded our understanding of the moon and Mars, paving the way for future discoveries. As technology advances, we can expect even greater distances to be covered and more profound insights to be gained from these robotic explorers.
