China’s Mars rover Zhurong has been switched to dormant mode while waiting out a dust storm on the surface of the planet, according to the China National Space Administration.The latest images taken by cameras onboard China’s Tianwen-1 Mars orbiter show a dust storm passing over the patrol area of Zhurong, Xinhua news agency reported.

Figure 1: China’s Zhurong rover

Figure 1 shows that the Zhurong rover is part of the Tianwen-1 mission which touched down in southern Utopia Planitia on Mars in May 2021.

Scientists compared the photos taken in the last two months and analysed recent power data of the rover’s solar wings, which indicated Zhurong now braving an intense Martian dust storm. [1]

On May 15, 2021, China became the second country ever to successfully land a rover on Mars. Since then, the rover, named after a Chinese god of fire, has been exploring Mars’s Utopia Planitia, sending back pictures, exploring the topography of Mars, carrying out important science, and relaxing with the odd selfie. [2]

Zhurong entered hibernation on May 18, with temperatures of around minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 20 degrees Celsius) during the local Mars Day and minus 148 F (minus 100 C) during the night, according to a statement from the Chinese Lunar Exploration Program.

China's Tianwen 1 orbiter, which delivered Zhurong to Mars last May, also detected sand and dust storm activity over Zhurong's landing area in Utopia Planitia with its medium-resolution camera.

Zhurong has a few tricks in its design to help it withstand the challenges of winter temperatures and sand and dust storms. These measures include the ability to angle its solar panels to maximize sunlight collection and a special anti-dust coating on the panels.

China's Yutu rovers on the moon are commanded to enter a dormant state for lunar nights, which last about 14 Earth days. However, the Zhurong rover will be able to autonomously detect the improvement in solar energy levels and power up once more, according to Chinese officials

The rover is expected to resume activities again in December, with the onset of spring in the northern hemisphere and the clearing of local dust storms. [3]

References:

1. https://digitnews.in/chinas-zhurong-rover-enters-hibernation-due-to-martian-dust-storm/
2. https://www.iflscience.com/space/chinas-zhurong-rover-enters-hybernation-to-survive-tough-martian-winter/
3. source: https://www.space.com/zhurong-china-mars-rover-hibernating-winter

Cite this article:

Sri Vasagi K (2022), China's Zhurong Rover Enters HibernationDue to Tough Martian Winter, Anatechmaz, pp. 309