Mission to Mars: The next rover (roundup)

Exploration of the Red Planet will shift into a higher gear in 2012 with the arrival of a car-sized, instrument-laden robotic rover named Curiosity.

On Mars, satisfaction awaits Curiosity rover

The big rover is two years behind schedule, but NASA engineers say that the time and extra money were well spent. Curiosity is now on track for takeoff in late 2011.
(Posted in The Space Shot by William Harwood)
August 20, 2010 4:00 A.M. PDT

How Curiosity will land on Mars

Unlike past Mars missions, the Curiosity rover will be lowered to the ground and set on its wheels by a slowly descending "sky crane" designed to unreel the lander like a lure on a fishing line.
(Posted in The Space Shot by William Harwood)
August 20, 2010 4:00 A.M. PDT

The science gear on Curiosity

The upcoming Red Planet rover features a robot arm, high-resolution cameras, and a suite of instruments in a 165-pound science payload--a weight class well beyond that of the current rovers.
• Images: The tools of the next Mars mission
(Posted in The Space Shot by William Harwood)
August 20, 2010 4:00 A.M. PDT

When Moscow stands in for Mars

We're still decades away from a manned mission to the Red Planet, but researchers in Russia want to make sure we're ready for the claustrophobic voyage.
• Photos: Mars500--home sweet isolation chamber
(Posted in Cutting Edge by Jonathan Skillings)
August 20, 2010 10:00 AM PDT

previous coverage

Study suggests better exercise needed for astronauts

Astronauts returning to Earth after long-duration space missions may be unable to cope with emergencies because of muscle loss, but more intense exercise could counteract the problem.
(Posted in The Space Shot by William Harwood)
August 18, 2010 1:17 P.M. PDT

NASA simulates space in Arctic

The NASA Ames Intelligent Robotics Group (IRG) conducts robotic field test at the Haughton Crater on Devon Island in the Canadian Arctic to refine concepts for future robotic planetary exploration.
(Posted in Image Galleries by James Martin)
August 3, 2010 7:46 PM PDT

NASA hopeful, but not confident, about ailing Mars rover

Spirit, in electronic hibernation to endure a harsh Martian winter, has not phoned home since March 22, but engineers are hoping for a miracle from Mars.
(Posted in The Space Shot by William Harwood)
July 30, 2010 12:17 PM PDT

Microsoft's telescope gets a better view of Mars

The software maker has teamed with NASA to offer much more expansive imagery. Other improvements to the telescope make the seams between individual images much less visible and add an improved spherical image of the full sky.
(Posted in Beyond Binary by Ina Fried)
July 12, 2010 9:00 AM PDT

NASA's Phoenix Mars lander damaged, down for count

Phoenix, apparently damaged by ice buildups during harsh Martian winter, has not phoned home during fly-overs, ending hopes for additional science with the lander.
(Posted in The Space Shot by William Harwood)
May 24, 2010 4:29 PM PDT

Mars rover on the move, another yet to come

The rover Opportunity sets a record for duration with its continuing operation on Mars, while NASA gets ready to launch the Curiosity in late 2011.
(Posted in Cutting Edge by Jonathan Skillings)
May 21, 2010 1:59 PM PDT

Mars rover Curiosity to seek answers

NASA plans to send a new and bigger rover to the Red Planet in 2011 in the continuing quest for signs of life past or present.
(Posted in Image Galleries by Jonathan Skillings)
May 21, 2010 12:16 PM PDT