Curiosity Rover Marks Decade on Mars, Wheels Show Wear

NASA Adapts for Extended Mission Amidst Ongoing Exploration

More than eight years after its fifth birthday, NASA’s Curiosity rover continues its exploration of Mars. Despite the mission’s significant scientific and public relations successes, challenges remain, particularly concerning the rover’s aging components as human missions to the Red Planet continue to face delays.

Over 35 Kilometers Traversed on Fourth Mission Extension

The Curiosity rover, a product of international collaboration, is equipped with advanced instruments including the Franco-American ChemCam and SAM. ChemCam utilizes a laser to analyze the chemical makeup of Martian rocks by examining the light emitted after a laser strike.

SAM, a sophisticated analytical laboratory weighing nearly 40 kg, comprises half of the rover’s instrument payload. It provides detailed molecular-level analysis of the surrounding Martian environment. The rover also features a drill, and as of August 3, 2024, it had completed its 42nd drilling operation, each 16mm in diameter. Instruments like SAM and Chemin (Chemistry & Mineralogy) are responsible for analyzing the collected rock samples.

Over its 13-year journey, Curiosity has covered just over 35 kilometers across the Martian landscape. The rover’s wheels have begun to show signs of wear and tear. Initially designed for a two-year mission, Curiosity is now operating under its fourth extension, with its mission currently scheduled to continue until October 2025.

Engineers Confident in Rover’s Durability

Despite the wear, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) has developed an algorithm to mitigate the deterioration of Curiosity’s wheels. Engineers at JPL remain optimistic about the rover’s longevity.

“The engineers are not worried: after 22 miles (35 kilometers) and in-depth research, it is clear that, despite some punctures, the wheels have years ahead.”

—NASA Representative

The rover’s ability to continue functioning on its worn wheels highlights the ingenuity of its engineering. According to NASA, the rover has successfully navigated the harsh Martian terrain, demonstrating remarkable resilience. In comparison, the Perseverance rover, NASA’s most recent Mars explorer, has successfully landed and begun its scientific objectives, demonstrating continued advancements in robotic planetary exploration.