NASA Curiosity Rover Investigates Mars Ridge, Conducts Atmospheric Observations

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity recently marked its 13th anniversary on Mars, continuing its detailed exploration of the Martian landscape. The rover is currently studying various geological features such as boxwork structures, ridges, hollows, and veins with instruments including APXS, ChemCam, MAHLI, and Mastcam to analyze composition and texture variations. Curiosity is positioned on a ridge nicknamed the “autobahn,” offering strategic vantage points for scientific investigations and stunning views of Mount Sharp. Meanwhile, NASA's Planetary Science Research Program updated its Research Opportunities in Space and Earth Sciences (ROSES) 2025 guidelines, introducing new funding thresholds and clarifying spacecraft mission data usage. The success of the NISAR Earth observation satellite launch by NASA and ISRO was also celebrated by the Mars science community, highlighting ongoing Earth and planetary science collaborations. Experts like Susanne P. Schwenzer and Ashley Stroupe provide insights into Curiosity's current scientific activities and the mission's continuous contributions to understanding Mars.