Rover Takes Its First 'Steps'

This overhead view shows evidence of a successful first test drive for NASA's Curiosity rover. On Aug. 22, 2012, the rover made its first move, going forward about 15 feet (4.5 meters), rotating 120 degrees and then reversing about 8 feet (2.5 meters). Curiosity is now about 20 feet (6 meters) from its landing site, named Bradbury Landing.

This mosaic from the rover's Navigation camera is made up of 23 full-resolution frames, displayed in a vertical projection.

Image credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech