Perseverance

It's a relatively busy time for Martian exploration, with China, the US and hitherto space minnows the UAE sending probes to the treacherous planet, where failure to land safely is more frequent than success.

NASA's Perseverance rover performs first test drive on Mars

The drive lasted about 33 minutes, propelling the rover forward by four metres, where it then turned to the left by 150 degrees and backed up 2.5 metres into its new temporary parking space, the American space agency noted in a statement.

In Pics: Dr Swati Mohan sports bindi as she confirms touchdown of Nasa Mars Rover Perseverance

Dr Swati Mohan was in charge of steering and landing the Perseverance rover as it touched down on Mars.

GMR IGI Airport Awards:Saluting those who make IGI Airport shine

GMR IGI Airport Awards honours and celebrates the dedication and perseverance of the people who are champions on the life's runway.