Author: Chris James (MENAFN - The Conversation) This month has been a busy one for Mars exploration. Several countries sent missions to the red planet in June last year, taking advantage of a launch window. Most have now arrived after their eight-month voyage. Within the next few days, NASA will perform a direct entry of the Martian atmosphere to land the Perseverance rover in Mars's Jezero Crater. Read more: As new probes reach Mars, here's what we know so far from trips to the red planet Perseverance, about the size of a car , is the largest Mars payload ever — it literally weighs a tonne. After landing, the rover will search for signs of ancient life and gather samples to eventually be returned to Earth .