Which transitions show the correct relationships? Curiosity On August 5, 2012, the Mars Science Laboratory touched down on the red surface of Mars. The goal of the mission was to send a scientific robotic rover, called Curiosity, to Mars. Although the "Red Planet" is now barren and rocky, scientists believe running water and a thicker atmosphere once existed there. NASA hopes to uncover fascinating details about the Martian past and, learn about Earth as well. The Mars Science Laboratory mission to Mars has been one of the most technologically advanced missions ever conducted by NASA; the landing required an advanced parachute, sky crane, and rocket boosters to gently release the one-ton Curiosity rover on the Martian surface. Such a complex landing had never been attempted before. Because radio signals from Mars take several minutes to reach Earth, computers on the spacecraft had to complete the landing phase of the mission. Once safely on the surface, Curiosity began its mission. With six wheels, the Curiosity rover is the size of a small car. Curiosity is no ordinary car. NASA equipped this rover with a nuclear-powered engine and an array of scientific tools, including a laser that can test the chemical makeup of rocks. The design of Curiosity should allow it to drive and operate on the Martian surface, studying craters and rocks, for years to come.