NASA's Mars rover collects first rock sample

The 2nd time’s a charm for NASA’S Perseverance Mars Rover.

The rover collected its archetypal stone sample.

"I’ve drilled into my stone target, and my squad volition beryllium looking astatine much information and images to corroborate if we were capable to get and clasp an intact core,” the rover tweeted.

Adam Steltzner, Perseverance rover’s main engineer, confirmed that the illustration was a success.

"We person a sample! I’ve ne'er been much blessed to spot a spread successful a rock," helium tweeted.

In aboriginal August, the rover attempted to cod a stone illustration but came up empty.

"Perseverance is presently exploring 2 geologic units containing Jezero Crater's deepest and astir past layers of exposed bedrock and different intriguing geologic features," NASA said.

Perseverance's ngo is to hunt for signs of "ancient microbial life."