Researchers propose a concept for a Mercury rover that would survive the planet's extreme conditions by continuously traveling along the terminator line between day and night. Mercury's surface swings between −173 °C and 427 °C with an 88-day cycle and no atmosphere, making stationary exploration impossible. A rover hugging the terminator would need to maintain at least 4.25 km/h to avoid being caught on either the scorching day side or the freezing night side, requiring high autonomy similar to advances being made with Mars rovers today.
Sort: