By 
July 20th, 2016
Curiosity Navcam Left B image taken on Sol 1405, July 19, 2016.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
New imagery has become available of NASA’s Mars Curiosity, busily at work on the Red Planet.
The rover is now in Sol 1406.
Curiosity used its Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) to acquire this up-close image on Sol 1405, July 19, 2016. MAHLI is located on the turret at the end of the rover’s robotic arm.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
The rover landed in Mars’ Gale Crater in August 2012.
NASA recently approved an additional two-year extension, beginning Oct. 1, 2016, for the Mars Science Laboratory Project, which developed and operates Curiosity.
Curiosity Front Hazcam Left B image taken on Sol 1403, July 17, 2016.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Well suited for life?
During its first year on Mars, the robot and science teams achieved a major goal by determining that — more than 3 billion years ago — the region offered fresh-water lakes and rivers with environmental conditions well-suited to supporting microbial life – if life has ever existed on Mars.
Curiosity Navcam Right B image taken on Sol 1401, July 15, 2016.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech
In continuing its investigations, Curiosity continues to gather more data in regards to ancient wet environments on Mars and how and when they evolved to drier and less habitable conditions.
Curiosity Mastcam Left image of rover wheel damage, taken on Sol 1403 July 17, 2016.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS
Posted in Space News
