Perseverance Parachute Encodes Binary Hint, Points to JPL

NASA’s Perseverance parachute carries an orange-and-white pattern that encodes a binary message by Ian Clark, a systems engineer and crossword hobbyist. Decoded within hours of landing, it reveals the motto “Dare Mighty Things” and GPS coordinates pointing to NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena—home base for the rover’s creators. The pattern also serves as a visual aid to track parachute orientation during descent, turning a diagnostic tool into a public invitation to engage with the mission.