Mars has beckoned us for centuries, but only in the last fifty years have we begun to literally scratch its surface with robotic orbiters, landers, and rovers. Now the next rover named PERSEVERANCE is on the way. It could re-define our understanding of the planet and make us re-think our place in the universe.

The next rover to explore Mars is named Perseverance, and it could finally answer an ancient question: Was there ever life on the Red Planet? Earth remains the only planet we’ve found life – so far. But Perseverance could change our view of the universe. Follow NASA engineers as they design and build the most sophisticated rover yet, and follow Smithsonian scientists into the field to reveal how Mars is both familiar and alien. Trace the history of Martian rovers, and get inside the design and drama of the new rover’s launch and landing.