Next Mission in Timeline
Dragon C2+ →
Curiosity (MSL)
A car-sized laboratory on Mars.
Mission Overview
Curiosity was too heavy for airbags, so it was lowered to the surface using a "Sky Crane." It was designed to determine if Mars ever had conditions suitable for life.
Learning from History
"Curiosity is powered by plutonium (nuclear power), allowing it to work through the dark Martian winters and dust storms."
Mission Specs
| Year | 2012 |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Type | Rover |
| Destination | Mars |
| Status | Active |
| Rocket | Multi-Mission RTG |