NASA’s Curiosity Rover drills into Martian mountain

(This image from the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI) camera on Curiosity shows the first sample-collection hole drilled in Mount Sharp – Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)

NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has collected its first sample from Mount Sharp: a layered mountain that is the science destination of the rover’s Martian mission. 

Curiosity rover prepares for fourth Martian rock drilling

(Curiosity rover snapped this image looking up the ramp at the northeastern end of the “Hidden Valley”. Drilling target “Bonanza King” is at the centre of the scene – Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)

NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover has chosen its next target: a rock that looks like a pale paving stone.