Scientific Highlights and Status of the Mars Science Laboratory Mission, Years 9 Through 12
Abstract
We present the scientific highlights and status from years 9-12 of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, with its Curiosity rover. A thermochemolysis-based sample analysis revealed a variety of organic molecules preserved in clay mineral-rich lake/lake margin deposits of the Glen Torridon region. The stratigraphically higher clay-sulfate mineral transition on Aeolis Mons was found to be associated with a lithological change from lacustrine to dry aeolian depositional environments. Water intermittently returned to the surface after the increase in aridity, including during the deposition of wave ripple strata which indicate a climate capable of sustaining an ice-free lake in the early Hesperian. The overlying Mg sulfate-bearing unit has both poly-and monohydrated Mg sulfates and is also enriched in iron carbonate of a purity consistent with chemical sedimentation and therefore atmospheric sequestration. A channel-incised canyon within Gediz Vallis and distal alluvial deposits recorded numerous fluvial and debris flow events after the deposition, lithification, and erosion of the clay-and sulfate-bearing units. Bright clasts found in Gediz Vallis canyon are composed of native sulfur. The investigation of the modern atmosphere and environment focused on the influence of the crater and mountain topography and captured high-altitude noctilucent and iridescent clouds. Radiation monitoring now spans an 11-year solar cycle. Rover systems and science instruments remain capable of addressing mission scientific objectives. All ten scientific instruments continue to return high-value data despite degradation of the Chemistry and Camera instrument's high-voltage system, loss of multispectral imaging capability, and loss of active neutron spectroscopy. The mission has mitigated the loss of redundant brakes on two arm joints, additional wheel wear, and highly reduced capability of the redundant flight computer. Efficiency improvements in rover energy utilization and operations staffing have allowed the mission team to maintain a high level of productivity despite declining rover power generation and funding.
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BibTeX
@article{vasavada2026scientific,
title = {{Scientific Highlights and Status of the Mars Science Laboratory Mission, Years 9 Through 12}},
author = {Ashwin R Vasavada and Abigail A Fraeman and John P Grotzinger and J. Michael Battalio and Jeff A Berger and Alex B Bryk and Joel M Davis and William E Dietrich and Olivier Gasnault and John A Grant and Scott D Guzewich and Alexandra Holloway and Reidar Larsen and Jack Quade and Elizabeth B Rampe and Susanne P Schwenzer and Allan H Treiman and Benjamin M Tutolo and Amy J Williams},
journal = {Space Science Reviews},
year = {2026},
month = aug,
doi = {10.1007/s11214-026-01321-7},
url = {https://hal.science/hal-05844703v1},
note = {CC BY 4.0},
}
RIS
TY - JOUR
TI - Scientific Highlights and Status of the Mars Science Laboratory Mission, Years 9 Through 12
AU - Ashwin R Vasavada
AU - Abigail A Fraeman
AU - John P Grotzinger
AU - J. Michael Battalio
AU - Jeff A Berger
AU - Alex B Bryk
AU - Joel M Davis
AU - William E Dietrich
AU - Olivier Gasnault
AU - John A Grant
AU - Scott D Guzewich
AU - Alexandra Holloway
AU - Reidar Larsen
AU - Jack Quade
AU - Elizabeth B Rampe
AU - Susanne P Schwenzer
AU - Allan H Treiman
AU - Benjamin M Tutolo
AU - Amy J Williams
PY - 2026
DA - 2026/08/25
JO - Space Science Reviews
DO - 10.1007/s11214-026-01321-7
UR - https://hal.science/hal-05844703v1
AB - We present the scientific highlights and status from years 9-12 of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory mission, with its Curiosity rover. A thermochemolysis-based sample analysis revealed a variety of organic molecules preserved in clay mineral-rich lake/lake margin deposits of the Glen Torridon region. The stratigraphically higher clay-sulfate mineral transition on Aeolis Mons was found to be associated with a lithological change from lacustrine to dry aeolian depositional environments. Water intermittently returned to the surface after the increase in aridity, including during the deposition of wave ripple strata which indicate a climate capable of sustaining an ice-free lake in the early Hesperian. The overlying Mg sulfate-bearing unit has both poly-and monohydrated Mg sulfates and is also enriched in iron carbonate of a purity consistent with chemical sedimentation and therefore atmospheric sequestration. A channel-incised canyon within Gediz Vallis and distal alluvial deposits recorded numerous fluvial and debris flow events after the deposition, lithification, and erosion of the clay-and sulfate-bearing units. Bright clasts found in Gediz Vallis canyon are composed of native sulfur. The investigation of the modern atmosphere and environment focused on the influence of the crater and mountain topography and captured high-altitude noctilucent and iridescent clouds. Radiation monitoring now spans an 11-year solar cycle. Rover systems and science instruments remain capable of addressing mission scientific objectives. All ten scientific instruments continue to return high-value data despite degradation of the Chemistry and Camera instrument's high-voltage system, loss of multispectral imaging capability, and loss of active neutron spectroscopy. The mission has mitigated the loss of redundant brakes on two arm joints, additional wheel wear, and highly reduced capability of the redundant flight computer. Efficiency improvements in rover energy utilization and operations staffing have allowed the mission team to maintain a high level of productivity despite declining rover power generation and funding.
SN - 0038-6308
SN - 1572-9672
ER -