Robotic Observatories & Rovers
Curiosity Rover (MSL)
Vehicle: Atlas V | Launch Site: Cape Canaveral Space Force Station
Key Mission Milestones & Event Timeline
November 26, 2011
Launch
Launched from Cape Canaveral on an Atlas V rocket.
August 6, 2012
Sky Crane Landing
Successfully landed in Gale Crater using a revolutionary rocket-powered Sky Crane descent rig.
September 2014
Mount Sharp Arrival
Reached the base of Mount Sharp, beginning its climb through historical geological layers.
Present Day
Active Science Operations
Climbing Mount Sharp, tracking ancient environment transitions from wet clay to dry sulfate soils.