Mars rover drill collects rock sample Latest sample could hold
evidence of ancient wet environments A space-age jack of all
trades, NASA's Curiosity rover recorded a first by using its
drill to collect a sample from a Martian rock. The rover sent
images of the hole in sedimentary bedrock to Earth on Saturday,
NASA said in a statement. NASA said the rover will analyze the
rock powder sample. The flat rock is believed to hold evidence
of wet environments that disappeared long ago, officials said.
Curiosity used a drill attached to the end of its robotic arm.
It's the first time any robot has drilled such a sample on the
Red Planet. "The most advanced planetary robot ever designed now
is a fully operating analytical laboratory on Mars," said John
Grunsfeld, NASA associate administrator for the agency's Science
Mission Directorate. "This is the biggest milestone
accomplishment for the Curiosity team since the sky-crane
landing last August, another proud day for America." In its
first two months on Mars, Curiosity