NASA’s Curiosity rover has been exploring Mars for over 12 years now, and new images have revealed some significant damage to its wheels. The photos show a large hole in the middle right wheel of the rover, exposing its inner mechanisms to the harsh Martian environment.
Curiosity was originally expected to only last for two years when it landed on Mars in 2012, but it has surpassed all expectations by lasting for over 4,000 Martian days and traveling more than 20 miles around the Gale Crater. During its mission, Curiosity has made numerous discoveries and observations on Mars, including spotting various unusual formations like a book-shaped rock and a mineral flower.
The recent images taken by Curiosity’s Mars Hand Lens Imager show multiple tears and holes in the rover’s wheels, indicating the wear and tear it has experienced over the years. Despite the damage, mission operations engineer Ashley Stroupe mentioned that Curiosity is still holding up well and continues to explore the Red Planet.
While the extent of the damage to Curiosity’s wheels is concerning, it is not the first time NASA’s Mars rovers have faced challenges. In 2022, the Perseverance rover had a “pet rock” stuck in one of its wheels for over a year before it was dislodged. It is possible that debris like pebbles or dirt may have also entered Curiosity’s wheels, but further investigation is needed to confirm this.
The longevity and resilience of NASA’s Mars rovers highlight the incredible engineering and technology behind these robotic explorers. Despite the harsh conditions and challenges they face on Mars, these rovers continue to provide valuable insights and data about the planet’s surface and atmosphere.
Overall, the new images of Curiosity’s damaged wheels serve as a reminder of the harsh conditions on Mars and the dedication of the scientists and engineers who continue to operate and support these robotic missions. As Curiosity continues its journey on the Red Planet, it will be interesting to see how it overcomes these challenges and continues to unravel the mysteries of Mars.