Timeline of Mars Science Laboratory Timeline of Mars Science Laboratory Timeline of Mars Science Laboratory is a timeline of the Mars Science Laboratory mission and its rover, "Curiosity". As of 23, 2019, "Curiosity" has been on the planet Mars for sols ( total days; ) since landing on August 6, 2012. "(See Current status.)" In April 2004, the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) called for scientific experiments and instruments proposals for the Mars Science Laboratory and rover mission. Launch was proposed for September 2009. By December 14, 2004, eight proposals were selected, including instruments from Russia and Spain. Testing of components also
Solar eclipses on Mars around Mars, the shadow of Phobos was seen in pictures transmitted to Earth. One of these photos was from the NASA rover "Opportunity". Solar eclipses on Mars The two moons of Mars, Phobos and Deimos, are much smaller than the Moon, greatly reducing the frequency of solar eclipses on that planet. Neither moon's apparent diameter is large enough to cover the disk of the sun, and therefore they are annular solar eclipses and can also be considered transits. Due to the small size of Phobos (about ) and its rapid orbital motion, an observer on the surface of Mars would