Curiosity (rover)
The Curiosity rover is a robotic science lab sent by NASA on November 26, 2011, and successfully landed on Mars on August 6, 2012, in Gale Crater. The primary mission of the rover is to explore the possibility of past life on Mars and examine the geological history of the planet.
Curiosity is fitted with a vast array of scientific instruments and sensors and high-resolution cameras. It also has a drilling mechanism to obtain soil and rock samples for analysis. Due to its studies, evidence has been found that liquid water and conditions that were suitable for microorganisms may have persisted on Mars in the past. Organic molecules were also found, which may suggest possible biological activity in the past.
The rover measures 3 meters in length, 2.1 meters tall with the mast, and 2.7 meters wide. Curiosity weighs 899 kg.
The rover's power comes from a nuclear power source, so it can perform tasks even in the harsh Martian environment. This has had Curiosity advance beyond its initial two-year mission to extend its research even more. The rover has already traveled more than 30 kilometers on the Martian surface, observing the composition of the atmosphere, climatic evolution, and potential resources for future missions.
On the Martian surface, the rover has the ability to overcome obstacles as high as 75 cm. Its top possible speed when driving over rough terrain is 90 meters per hour and its average speed is some 30 meters per hour.
Despite being operational for so many years, Curiosity is still running and still relaying valuable scientific data to Earth. It is a symbol of success in space exploration and inspires additional missions to Mars. Additionally, data collected by the rover helps plan future manned missions because it makes it simpler to assess potential risks and opportunities for colonization.
Curiosity allows mankind greater understanding of our nearest neighbor and lays the groundwork for future missions that could be the first step on the road toward human exploration of Mars.
P.S. You can learn more about the Curiosity rover by clicking the link - Curiosity.