28/07/2026 21:55 - Tecnologia
Since its historic landing in Gale Crater on August 6, 2012, the Curiosity rover has been an irreplaceable window into Mars' past. This car-sized vehicle, the first to use nuclear power for propulsion on another planet, has far exceeded all durability expectations.
After traversing more than 32 kilometers over extremely rocky terrain, Curiosity's aluminum wheels show cracks and holes. However, far from being a failure, this wear is a badge of honor. As explained by Andrew Good, spokesperson for NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL), the cuts always look worse than they are, and the remaining odometry is sufficient to complete the mission.
To mitigate damage, engineers implemented traction control software in 2017 and 2018 and chose alternative routes. Today, wheel inspections are performed every 1,000 meters, demonstrating confidence in the vehicle's structure. Jim Erickson, project manager, stated that this wear does not change the scientific plans on Mount Sharp.
The experience gained with Curiosity was fundamental in designing its successor, the Perseverance rover, which landed in Jezero Crater in February 2021. Perseverance's new wheels have a larger diameter, twice the treads, and a gently curved shape instead of the original V-shape, making them more resistant.
Curiosity not only proved that Gale once hosted lakes and streams potentially habitable for life, but its resilience inspires the dream of turning humanity into an interplanetary species. The agency confirms that the rover will keep rolling for a long time, bringing us a little closer to the day when humans walk on Mars.
Source: Infobae
Alfredo S. Quiroga
