Curiosity, the car-sized rover currently exploring Gale Crater on Mars, is equipped with cutting-edge technology to analyze rock, soil, and air samples. With a 7-foot-long arm, the rover places tools near rocks for study, and carries 10 science instruments, including cameras, a laser for vaporizing rocks from a distance, and a drill for collecting powdered rock samples.
Curiosity’s mission is to search for signs of past water presence and organic materials on Mars. Thanks to its advanced technology and exploration of Gale Crater, we have learned a great deal about the Red Planet’s history and its potential to support life.
Join us on a virtual tour of Curiosity’s landing site and learn more about its discoveries. Credit NASA/JPL-Caltech.