Rocknest (Mars) Rocknest (Mars) Rocknest is a sand patch on the surface of Aeolis Palus, between Peace Vallis and Aeolis Mons ("Mount Sharp"), in Gale crater on the planet Mars. The patch was encountered by the Curiosity rover on the way from Bradbury Landing to Glenelg Intrigue on September 28, 2012. The "approximate" site coordinates are: . The sand patch is downhill from a cluster of dark rocks. NASA determined the patch to be the location for the first use of the scoop on the arm of the Mars "Curiosity rover". The ""Rocknest"" patch is about by . On October 7, 2012,
Crewed Mars rover the 2010s. The 1980s era Case for Mars design suggest a medium range rover with two compartments, one which could be depressurized and opened up to the Mars atmosphere, and a driving compartments which could remain pressurized during this time. The same study also suggested a bigger long duration rover with tracks and robotic arms, in addition to other types in that Mars surface human mission concept. Airlock design, especially for EVA is an area of study for pressurized rovers. Design ideas for crewed and/or pressurized rovers: Additional possible technologies: A 2004 analysis of a human Mars surface mission suggested