How has technology affected the Curiosity rover’s mission to study the surface of Mars? Check all that apply.

Question

a. Scientists have moved the rover about 5 kilometers since landing on the planet in 2012.
b. Curiosity drilled samples from the floor of an ancient lakebed.
c. Samples of soil and rocks suggest that Mars was unlikely to ever have had water on its surface.
d. Curiosity's instruments found carbon-containing organic molecules and nitrogen in a form useable to life.
e. Reconnaissance photos from the Mars orbiter provided scientists with information on maneuvering Curiosity to new locations.

Answer 1

Technology has played a significant role in the Curiosity rover's mission to study the surface of Mars. Based on the options provided, the following statements are applicable:

a. True - Scientists have moved the rover about 5 kilometers since landing on the planet in 2012.

b. True - Curiosity drilled samples from the floor of an ancient lakebed.

c. False - This statement is incorrect; Curiosity's findings suggest that Mars may have had liquid water in the past.

d. True - Curiosity's instruments found carbon-containing organic molecules and nitrogen in a form usable to life.

e. True - Reconnaissance photos from the Mars orbiter provided scientists with information on maneuvering Curiosity to new locations.

So, the answers that apply are: a, b, d, and e.