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Mars has captivated scientists and dreamers alike for centuries. Over the past few decades, we’ve built and launched robotic explorers—rovers like Spirit, Opportunity, Curiosity, and Perseverance—that have provided us with stunning insights into the Red Planet's surface, atmosphere, and geological history. Yet, as impressive as these missions are, they face fundamental limitations.

Mechanical breakdowns, energy shortages, communication delays, and damage from harsh environmental conditions have repeatedly shortened mission durations or limited the scientific output of these costly and complex rovers. The vast distance between Earth and Mars makes real-time maintenance impossible, while materials degrade quickly under Mars’ abrasive dust, extreme cold, and powerful ultraviolet radiation.

To address these critical challenges, this project explores two cutting-edge solutions: self-healing materials that can autonomously repair physical damage, and autonomous systems that give rovers the ability to make decisions, reroute themselves, and manage energy and repairs in real time. When combined, these technologies offer the potential to significantly extend rover lifespans, reduce mission risk, and maximize the value of future Mars exploration efforts.