Curiosity Looks Back Toward Its Landing Site

This view of tracks trailing NASA's Curiosity rover was captured July 26, 2025, as the rover simultaneously relayed data to a Mars orbiter. Curiosity captured this 15-image mosaic while simultaneously transmitting data to ESA's Trace Gas Orbiter overhead. By combining imaging and communication tasks, the rover saved precious battery power from its nuclear generator. In the foreground, Curiosity’s wheel tracks cut across a rugged region of "boxwork" formations—hardened mineral ridges left behind by ancient subsurface water billions of years ago. Rising in the distant background are the distinct peaks and lower foothills of Mount Sharp inside Gale Crater. Curiosity was built by NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, which leads the mission on behalf of NASA's Science Mission Directorate.

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