Curiosity Rover Resumes Operations, Prepares for Key Organic Molecule Hunt

NASA's Curiosity Mars rover has resumed activities after the planet emerged from solar conjunction. On January 25, 2026 (Sol 4789), an image of the "Nevado Sajama" drill site was acquired using the Mast Camera, preceding the location of a new drill site.

Recent Activities and Relocation

Recent activities included using APXS, MAHLI, and ChemCam's laser spectrometer to examine a broken white rock. The rover also imaged a sandy area to observe potential wind motion.

The rover then executed a 2-meter drive to its new drill location.

Focused Return to Nevado Sajama for Rare SAM Experiment

This new drill site is situated a few centimeters from the "Nevado Sajama" site, which was previously drilled in November.

The primary objective for this return is to conduct a rare SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars) instrument experiment. This experiment will utilize the instrument's final container of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) to mix with a sample from Nevado Sajama, aiming to identify organic molecules.

This experiment will utilize the instrument's final container of tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) to mix with a sample from Nevado Sajama, aiming to identify organic molecules.

A rehearsal of the sample handoff to SAM was completed prior to the scheduled drilling.

Power Demands and Environmental Observations

The TMAH experiment demands significant energy from Curiosity, which limits the availability of power for other scientific operations.

Despite this, environmental observations have been incorporated into the mission plan. These include monitoring for dust devils and assessing dust levels within the crater and the broader atmosphere, as the region is currently in its dusty season.