Garmin sports Tech on Mars – Seriously!
I’d missed this story from last month.
Garmin’s Z82 range finder is used in golf to accurately measure distances to hazards and the pin. That same Garmin tech is in the Mars Ingenuity Helicopter which recently launched a couple of times as a key part of the Mars 2020 Mission.
It’s not quite the same as Elon Musk getting mankind back to the moon (maybe) but I guess Garmin has got their tech further away from Earth than Mr Musk has so far managed.
Garmin was part of the first powered, controlled flight on another planet. The LIDAR system found in the Approach Z82 Golf Laser Range Finder & other Garmin products was used to measure the distance from the #MarsHelicopter to the surface of Mars. We’re Martians now! pic.twitter.com/M8a6sgapdn
— Garmin (@Garmin) April 19, 2021
https://youtu.be/kb96kb_Nfxk
Last Updated on 25 January 2026 by the5krunner
My favourite kit and nutrition
- Injinji – Runners protect your toes. Avoid discomfort and minor injury. Run more. Run faster. I use them.
- Garmin 90-degree charging adapter — The small adapter that keeps your charging cables tidy. Essential for race day. I use one.
- Garmin charging puck — the fastest and most reliable way to top up your Garmin before a session. I use one.
- Ravemen FR300 — Front light that mounts directly under your Garmin or Wahoo head unit. Keeps your bars clean and your beam pointed where it matters. I use one.
- Body Glide – The blue anti-chafe stick that all swimmers and many runners use. I use it.
- Maurten — The race nutrition trusted by elite athletes. Gels and drink mixes engineered to be easy on the stomach. I use them.
- Garmin Varia RTL515 — A radar rear light that alerts you to vehicles approaching from behind. Pairs with your Edge or Garmin watch. I use this model.
- Favero Assioma Pro RS2 — The power-meter pedals most serious cyclists choose. Accurate, easy to move between bikes. I use this model.
- Garmin Forerunner 970 — A serious choice for a pro-grade triathlon watch. I use this.
- Polar H10 — My daily driver for accurate, waking HRV readings.
- Wahoo ELEMNT Roam 3 — The bike computer that has the feature Garmin lacks: usability. I use mine on most rides.
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tfk is the founder and author of the5krunner, an independent endurance sports technology publication. With 20 years of hands-on testing of GPS watches and wearables, and competing in triathlons at an international age-group level, tfk provides in-depth expert analysis of fitness technology for serious athletes and endurance sport competitors. ID
We aren’t in Kansas any more… Brilliant! I knew Garmin had a lot of money, but to hire NASA to fly to Mars for a marketing promo, he-he?! WHOOP with its influencer campaign has some serious step-up to do!