Editor-Curated Robotics Industry Briefing - RobotToday

How JPL Keeps the 13-Year-Old Curiosity Rover Doing Science

The Curiosity rover, which has been exploring Mars for 13 years, continues to operate effectively despite the challenges of its hostile environment. Since its successful landing in August 2012 at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, California, Curiosity has traveled nearly 37 kilometers, drilled into 42 rocks, and captured approximately 763,000 images. JPL engineers, including assistant team chief Alexandra Holloway, have implemented ongoing software updates and innovative solutions to keep the rover functional, even as it faces wear and diminishing power. Holloway highlighted the rover's longevity, attributing it to robust engineering and continuous maintenance efforts. While Curiosity and the younger Perseverance rover share similar hardware, Perseverance features additional capabilities for autonomous navigation, reflecting their distinct mission objectives. Curiosity's operational challenges include wheel wear from sharp rocks and power consumption from its nuclear source, which decreases over time. Engineers have developed strategies to optimize power usage, such as reducing computer activation time and parallel processing tasks. Looking ahead, Holloway noted that while Curiosity's arm may eventually fail, the rover still possesses valuable remote sensing instruments that will contribute to future Mars exploration. With its power source expected to remain viable through at least 2035, Curiosity's mission continues to yield significant scientific insights, paving the way for future missions.