20 May 2022
Zhurong has been switched to dormant mode on 18 May, while waiting out a dust storm on the surface of the planet, CNSA said. The decision was taken after comparing recent images taken by onboard cameras on the Tianwen 1 orbiter were compared with photos taken during the last 2 months. Additionally, the power data of the rover's solar wings were analysed. The conclusion was that an intense Martian dust storm is nearing and in order to tackle the dust storms and low-temperature challenges, the Chinese rover went into dormancy. Zhurong is expected to wake up and resume work in December when the dust clears and Mars enters its spring season. Scientists will continue to use the Tianwen 1 orbiter to monitor the weather on Mars' southern hemisphere.
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