The Curiosity Rover

Curiosity is a robot rover that drives around on Mars. It is the size of a small car. NASA sent Curiosity to Mars in 2011, and it landed in 2012. Its mission is to study the rocks and soil of Mars to see if life could have lived there.

A Nuclear Powered Rover

Curiosity does not use solar panels like older rovers. Instead, it uses heat from a nuclear battery to make electricity. This means it can work even when dust covers it. The rover can drive day and night. Its power source should last for many years.

Finding Clues About Water

Curiosity landed in Gale Crater and has climbed a tall mountain there. It found rocks that were shaped by ancient rivers and lakes. This means Mars once had lots of water. The rover also found the chemical building blocks of life in the rocks. These clues help scientists understand what Mars was like billions of years ago.

Fun Facts

• Curiosity takes a selfie by using a camera on the end of its robotic arm.
• The rover has drilled more than 30 holes in Martian rocks.
• Curiosity drives about 100 feet per day on average.

Did You Know?

Curiosity sang 'Happy Birthday' to itself on Mars in 2013, the only time a song has been played on another planet.