The Mast Camera is a stereoscopic imaging instrument used on uncrewed planetary rovers to capture high-resolution color photographs and video of the surrounding terrain. It typically consists of two distinct camera heads with different focal lengths mounted high on the rover chassis to provide a human-scale vantage point. Mission scientists use the visual data to study geological formations, plan driving routes, and select targets for further chemical analysis.
We need to wait for the MastCam mosaic to downlink before we commit the rover to that narrow channel.
Related terms
Mars rover
A Mars rover is an automated motor vehicle designed to travel across the surface of Mars.
ChemCam
Chemistry and Camera is an instrument suite on the Mars Curiosity rover that analyzes rock composition.
Navcam
A navigation camera is an engineering camera used by rovers to plan movements and avoid obstacles.
Hazcam
Hazard avoidance cameras mounted on planetary rovers.