Jackal vs Perseverance Rover
Clearpath Robotics (Open Robotics) vs NASA — specs, price, and data-backed comparison.
QUICK TAKE
- Jackal offers the faster top speed (7.2 km/h vs 0.15 km/h).
- Jackal offers the lighter build (17 kg vs 1,025 kg).
- Perseverance Rover is the newer platform (2,021 vs 2,014).
SPECIFICATIONS COMPARED
| Jackal | Perseverance Rover | |
|---|---|---|
| Company | Clearpath Robotics (Open Robotics) | NASA |
| Category | Ground | Ground |
| Price: | $20,000–$30,000 | Not announced |
| Released: | 2014 | 2021 |
| Weight | 17 kg | 1,025 kg |
| Payload | 17 kg | — |
| Degrees of Freedom | — | 5 |
| Speed | 7.2 km/h | 0.15 km/h |
| Battery Life | 240 min | Indefinite (nuclear-powered MMRTG, ~110W output) |
| Charging Time | ~3 hours | — |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Ethernet | UHF (~400 MHz) relay via Mars orbiters; X-band direct-to-Earth high-gain antenna; X-band low-gain antenna |
| Software / AI | ROS / ROS 2 | VxWorks RTOS; autonomous navigation (AutoNav); terrain-relative navigation (TRN) |
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is the difference between the Jackal and the Perseverance Rover?
Jackal is made by Clearpath Robotics (Open Robotics), while Perseverance Rover is made by NASA. Both are grounds, so the differences come down to price and specifications.
Which is cheaper, the Jackal or the Perseverance Rover?
The Jackal is listed at $20,000; pricing for the Perseverance Rover has not been publicly announced.
Which is faster, the Jackal or the Perseverance Rover?
The Jackal has the higher top speed at 7.2 km/h, compared to 0.15 km/h for the Perseverance Rover.