NASA’s Curiosity rover recently took a step closer to its historic first drilling on Mars, as it tested its drilling system. Last Saturday, the nuclear-powered explorer conducted a “drill-on-rock checkout” on a rock designated “John Klein” in Gale Crater. The brief test of the drill’s percussive action in a back and forth motion was part of a series of tests to determine if the rover’s drill is ready for full operation.
via Gizmag
Image: Test drilling carried out on the rock called “John Klein” on February 2nd (NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)
