Mars 2020 rover is christened 'Perseverance' after NASA let public choose name in a contest

NASA has equipped its Mars 2020 rover with everything it needs to explore the Red planet, except for a name – until now. Called Perseverance, the rover's title was picked from a'Name the Rover' essay contest that received 28,000 entries from children ranging from kindergartners to high school. The name was revealed on Thursday during a live streaming and was chosen by seventh grader Alex Mathers who's winning essay compared the rover to the human race. 'If you think about it, all of these names of past Mars rovers are qualities we possess as humans.' 'We are always curious, and seek opportunity. We have the spirit and insight to explore the Moon, Mars, and beyond. But, if rovers are to be the qualities of us as a race, we missed the most important thing.