2021 Space Review: Perseverance Arrives on Mars
On 18 February, NASA’s Perseverance rover landed in Jezero crater. The mission brought new opportunities to study Mars and collect samples. Our 2021 space review begins with that memorable arrival.
NASA’s Perseverance year in review describes the rover’s early achievements. Meanwhile, its companion helicopter prepared to attempt a different kind of exploration.
19 April: Ingenuity Takes Flight
Ingenuity achieved the first powered, controlled flight on another planet. The small helicopter demonstrated that flight was possible in the thin Martian atmosphere. Consequently, it added a remarkable engineering milestone to the year’s scientific work.
As a result, the achievement opened up new questions about how flying vehicles might assist future exploration. However, it began as a technology demonstration rather than a replacement for the rover.
2021 Space Review: A Rocket Re-entry Raises Questions
The return of a Long March 5B rocket stage drew attention to re-entry safety. U.S. Space Command reported its re-entry over the Arabian Peninsula at around 10:15 p.m. EDT on 8 May. That time corresponded to 9 May in the UK.
Therefore, date references can differ between reports using different time zones. The event also highlighted the importance of responsible operations beyond Earth.
2021 Space Review: New Missions for Venus
On 2 June, NASA selected two missions to study Venus: DAVINCI+ and VERITAS. The plans aimed to investigate the planet’s atmosphere and surface. In addition, they offered ways to explore why Venus developed so differently from Earth.
The original article discussed the target dates announced at the time. Those estimates should be read as historical plans, since mission schedules can change.
11 July: Richard Branson Flies on Unity 22
Our 2021 space review also includes Virgin Galactic’s Unity 22 flight. Richard Branson joined five other crew members on VSS Unity. The company announced the completed flight after its return.
The journey drew attention to private spaceflight. Meanwhile, Blue Origin prepared for its first crewed New Shepard flight later that month.
15 November: Debris Threatens the Station
A Russian anti-satellite test created debris that affected the International Space Station crew’s routine. NASA’s statement on the test described emergency safety procedures. The event highlighted another challenge for people living and working in orbit.
2021 Space Review: Parker Solar Probe’s Milestone
On 14 December, NASA announced that Parker Solar Probe had entered the Sun’s atmosphere. The spacecraft’s encounter had occurred earlier in the year. Thus, the announcement date should not be confused with the date of the encounter itself.
To explore more stories from this 2021 space review, browse RocketBreaks news. Together, these events show a year of scientific progress, new experiences and continuing challenges.