Curiosity Milestones: 14th Landing Anniversary (Sols 4975‑4981)

By Susanne P. Schwenzer, Professor of Planetary Mineralogy, The Open University, UK

Planning date on Earth: Friday, August 7, 2026

This week marked a special occasion for the Curiosity team as we celebrated the 14th anniversary of the rover’s landing on Mars. I recall watching the entry sequence on NASA’s “Eyes on the Solar System,” then later hearing the reassuring message, “We are safe on Mars.” The moment was tense, yet I cherish revisiting it each year as we mark another year of operations on the Red Planet. For a full remembrance, NASA’s interactive “Eyes on the Solar System” tool allows you to locate the Mars Science Laboratory rover in its spacecraft list.

But what did the Curiosity team accomplish during this special week that marked the transition from sol 14 to sol 15? While the rover continued its routine work, engineers celebrated the anniversary. At sol 4976, 19:47 LMST on Mars, the rover’s arm was deployed to target “Tunas Khasa” for an APXS measurement. At the week’s first stop, the APXS measured “Tunas Khasa” and “Villarrica,” which were also imaged by the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI). ChemCam conducted chemistry analyses on “Lago Rupanco” and “Chulipa Punta,” and captured high‑resolution images using its Remote Micro Imager. We are specifically searching for cross‑bedding—rock layers that tilt and intersect—to understand how the strata relate. Mastcam executed five mosaics, targeting near‑field rock walls and distant bedrock. Notable targets included “La Linea,” a surface showing erosion, and “Tiraque,” which provides insight into bedrock layering. In addition, the planned drive direction and workspace were imaged after the drive. Routine “housekeeping” activities included a SAM column‑cleaning operation and MAHLI imaging of the REM UV sensor.

The rover proceeded up Mount Sharp, examining successive rock layers. The climb is steep, and Monday’s plan presented similar challenges. On Friday, the rover’s tilt reached 24 degrees, yet the engineering team ensured a safe arrival at the planned waypoint. At the week’s first stop, the APXS measured “Tunas Khasa” and “Villarrica,” which were also imaged by the Mars Hand Lens Imager (MAHLI). ChemCam performed chemistry analyses on “Lago Rupanco” and “Chulipa Punta,” and captured high‑resolution images with its Remote Micro Imager. We are specifically searching for cross‑bedding—rock layers that tilt and intersect—to understand how the strata relate. Mastcam executed five mosaics, targeting near‑field rock walls and distant bedrock. Notable targets included “La Linea,” a surface showing erosion, and “Tiraque,” which provides insight into bedrock layering. In addition, the planned drive direction and workspace were documented after the drive. Routine “housekeeping” activities included a SAM column‑cleaning operation and MAHLI imaging of the REM UV sensor.

A 46‑foot (14‑meter) drive positioned the rover perfectly in front of a unique site where two distinct rock layers meet and cross‑bedded rocks are truncated by newer layers. Such locations enable us to piece together the geological history of this area, which was shaped by strong winds and, at times, by water. Because of its exceptional scientific value, we will remain at this site through Monday and conduct observations over two planning cycles.

On Friday, we scheduled two APXS measurements on a bedrock block ahead of us, reserving two additional targets for the team to plan on Monday. The targets are “Salar de Gorbea” and “Uriondo.” MAHLI documented both, and also captured a large mosaic of the target “Tres Morros,” an excellent example of how different rock layers intersect. The team eagerly anticipates high‑resolution MAHLI images to examine every detail. Mastcam was busy as well, investigating representative outcrops near and far. Notable targets to watch include “Laguna Del Eulogio” and “Laguna de Pozuelo,” which illuminate changes in rock layering and the stratigraphy of the Mishe Mokwa butte. You may recall Mishe Mokwa from earlier mentions; we used repeated images to generate stereo views and better understand its stratigraphy. ChemCam examined “Rio Tranquilo,” a nodular target that may reveal water‑related processes, and “Rio Juncalito,” a cross‑bedded target. ChemCam also performed two RMI observations: one directed toward Valle Grande and another toward Mishe Mokwa.

Both plans included extensive environmental monitoring: numerous dust‑devil surveys, measurements of atmospheric opacity, wind monitoring, cloud searches, and continuous radiation measurements by the RAD instrument. The RAD, which has been monitoring radiation for 14 years—including during the cruise phase to Mars—remains a quiet but essential observer.

Happy 14th Landing Anniversary, Curiosity!

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