NASA's Mars Rover

NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover, known as Curiosity, has 10 science instruments designed to search for evidence on whether Mars has had environments favorable to microbial life, including the chemical ingredients for life. (NASA/Frankie Martin)

At NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover is outfitted with rocket-powered technology to help lower it to Mars’ surface. (NASA/Kim Shiflett)

Technicians at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, prepare NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover for testing. (NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis)

Technicians wrap Curiosity inside a protective cover, carrying material for use during entry, descent and landing of the MSL's rover. (NASA/Dimitri Gerondidakis)

All elements of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission have come together. The top portion is the cruise stage, next, the aeroshell, (containing the compact car-sized rover Curiosity), and on the bottom, the heat shield. (NASA/Glenn Benson)

At NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, an Atlas V rocket's payload container bears the NASA logo above the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) logo. (NASA Rover)

At Space Launch Complex 41, the payload container holding NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) spacecraft is lifted up the side of the Vertical Integration Facility. (NASA/Tony Gray)

The 60-meter-tall Atlas V rocket arrives on the launch pad at Space Launch Complex-41 near the Atlantic Ocean. (NASA/Tony Gray)