Sarah Howell

The 5th rover to land on Mars, named “Perseverance,” arrived yesterday afternoon, February 18, 2021 at 3:55 pm ET. I gleefully watched NASA’s live coverage and was struck not only of the herculean feat of landing something on the surface of a planet after 7 months and 300 million miles of travel through the vacuum of space, but also was awestruck by the tremendous team of people who had contributed to this singular goal.

to persevere [ pur-suh–veer ]: to persist in anything undertaken; maintain a purpose in spite of difficulty, obstacles, or discouragement; continue steadfastly.

From Dictionary.com

In the live and pre-recorded coverage of this event, viewers, students, citizens all over the world could see and hear from scientists, engineers and more about their contributions, their stories of how they joined the project. I also noticed the incredible diversity of the team in the people who were highlighted: women, immigrants, people of color, and all ages who’s stories and contributions to this project were shared. They talked about how they arrived at NASA: there was a former professional dancer, an immigrant who put herself through college by cleaning houses, childhood passions turned into professional careers.

In a year marked by such incredible adversity, the Mars 2020 mission was one glimmer of success, highlighting the incredible accomplishments that can happen when diverse groups of thinkers and doers bring together their super powers.

I hope that students everywhere, curious explorers of any age, can enjoy the magic, wonder, and curiosity that this event marks. If you want to take a look at some resources, whether to inspire you or your students, you can learn more and watch the landing here:

• “Highlights from NASA’s Successful Landing on Mars” (from New York Times)
• For students: “New NASA rover lands on Mars with a helicopter” (from Newsela)
• NASA’s Youtube Channel contains recorded and live events including a playlist of the Perseverance Mars Landing, the first-ever helicopter being launched in the Mars atmosphere, and more!
• Visit NASA’s SpacePlace website for more information and activities for kids about the Mars 2020 mission.
• Explore Mars with Scratch – Activity from JPL
• NASA’s Mars 2020 Mission Website

In a year where I feel like I am being challenged on all sides by seemingly insurmountable obstacles – grief of a close family member, the pandemic, professional challenges, and more – Perseverance comes at the right time. I hope that in 2021 you also are able to continue steadfastly, to maintain a purpose in spite of difficulties, obstacles, or discouragement. Perseverance may be just what we all need right now.

What motivates you to continue to persevere in the face of adversity?