Curiosity has completed the most challenging mission in its 11-year history as the rover climbed to an elevation near Mount Aeolis Mons

On 6 August 2023, NASA celebrated the 11th anniversary of the Curiosity mission. In honour of this event, the rover conquered the Jau hill. The journey took several weeks.

Here's What We Know

The rover arrived on Mars on 6 August 2012. Since then, it has completed many missions, but the recent ascent of the Jau highlands was the most challenging in Curiosity's history. The rover was able to successfully overcome many obstacles by travelling to meet boulders on slippery sand.

The Jau Upland is located at the foot of the 5 kilometre high Aeolis Mons. It's located in Gale Crater. Scientists believe there were lakes and rivers here several billion years ago. The higher Curiosity goes, the more experts will learn about how the Martian landscape has changed over the years.

NASA scientists don't control the rover in real time. Curiosity moves along a pre-built route. NASA uses data from satellites to create it. One of the spacecraft is called the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

Source: NASA