Mars Curiosity Rover still going strong

[lpetrich]

NASA budget cuts at Mars threaten 'crisis' for Curiosity rover and prolific orbiters | Space - though the Trump Admin wants more money for NASA, its request includes less money for Mars exploration -- and potential trouble for NASA's active Mars missions: Curiosity (rover, 26 November 2011, August 6, 2012), InSight (lander, 5 May 2018, November 26, 2018), MAVEN (orbiter, 18 November 2013, September 22, 2014), Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (orbiter, 12 August 2005, March 10, 2006), Mars Odyssey (orbiter, 7 April 2001, 24 October 2001)

Some other nations also have active Mars missions: ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (ESA, orbiter, 14 March 2016, October 19, 2016), Mangalyaan (India, orbiter, 5 November 2013, 24 September 2014), Mars Express (ESA, orbiter, 2 June 2003, 25 December 2003). Dates are launch and arrival dates.  List of missions to Mars

 Curiosity (rover),  Mars Science Laboratory,  Timeline of Mars Science Laboratory
Mars Science Laboratory - Curiosity Rover | NASA
Home | Curiosity – NASA’s Mars Exploration Program

As of 2020 May 4, the rover has been on the planet for 2752 sols (Martian solar days, 2827 Earth days). It has traveled over 21.92 km / 13.62 mi and climbed over 327 m / 1,073 ft in elevation. It is currently exploring the area around Mt. Sharp.

NASA takes 'working from home' to new heights: Scientists operate the Mars Curiosity rover over video conference due to the coronavirus lockdown

 

[lpetrich]

Curiosity Just Sent a Photo of Earth And Venus Like We've Never Seen Before

Just over a week ago, Curiosity pointed it's Mastcam up at the sky about an hour after sunset and took two images – one showing Earth and the other showing Venus.

Back on Earth, the Curiosity team stitched the two pictures together to make a panorama, and the result reminds us that Curiosity is a very long way from home.

So the rover saw two "evening stars".
Catalog Page for PIA23899 - combined picture

Back in 2014, NASA Mars Rover Curiosity Sees 'Evening Star' Earth – NASA’s Mars Exploration Program along with the Moon.
Catalog Page for PIA17936 - evening-sky view
Catalog Page for PIA17935 - closeup of the Earth and the Moon