Book 15, Question 119
Why Do Rovers Have Cameras on Tall Masts?
Rovers have cameras on tall masts so they can see farther, like standing on tiptoe! Height lets a camera look over rocks and bumps, so it can see what lies ahead. That helps the team plan a safe route.
More fun facts
- Curiosity uses a 7-foot-long arm to place tools close to rocks.
- Perseverance's mast cameras can spot an object as small as a golf ball 25 meters away.
- Curiosity is about as tall as a basketball player.
- The mast on Spirit and Opportunity stood 1.4 meters tall.
- Curiosity has 17 cameras, the most of any NASA planetary mission.
Sources: NASA Science, NASA Science, NASA Science, NASA
Questions kids ask
How many cameras does Curiosity have?
Curiosity has 17 cameras, the most of any NASA planetary mission.