'Terrain Relative Navigation' to Autonomously Land Mars 2020 Rover

The Mars 2020 mission will touch down on Feb. 18, 2021, in Jezero Crater, a 28-mile-wide expanse full of steep cliffs and boulder fields that will make for a challenging landing. A new technology called Terrain Relative Navigation (TRN) will allow the spacecraft to avoid hazards autonomously. It's the closest thing to having an astronaut piloting the spacecraft. For more information about Mars 2020, visit: mars.nasa.gov/mars2020/ .