NASA’s Perseverance rover is embarking on a challenging new mission to ascend the steep western rim of Mars’ Jezero Crater.

After spending two and a half years exploring the crater floor and river delta, Perseverance, which has already collected 22 rock cores and traveled over 18 miles, will begin its ascent the week of August 19.

The rover’s climb, which will see it gain about 1,000 feet in elevation, is expected to be its most difficult journey yet, relying on advanced auto-navigation capabilities, ABC News has reported.

Scientists anticipate that the data collected during this “Crater Rim Campaign” will provide crucial insights into Mars’ geological history.

Written by B.C. Begley