A Birdseye View Of The Curiosity Rover’s Long, Lonely Trek Across Mars

The famed rover is shuffling along to Glenelg, about 400 meters away from where it landed. These images are from its first few days on the go.

Source: nasa.gov

The Curiosity rover has begun its journey to Glenelg, a destination only 400 meters away from its initial landing spot. But that will take the little guy several days to get to, according to the latest update. On the way, it’ll be testing out its new arms, equipped with scoopers — SCOOPERS — and sensing instruments that’ll help scientists back home learn more about the composition of Mars.

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, which has been orbiting Mars since 2006, has taken some awesome new pictures of its first few baby steps. It’s very Wall-E. (Note: NASA enhanced the images with blue coloring to better illustrate its tracks.)

The site of the initial landing. Source: nasa.gov

Source: nasa.gov

The final descent, as seen from above. Source: nasa.gov

Updated: Curiosity’s first self-portrait, enhanced by Emily Lakdawalla of The Planetary Society. Wow, it really is Wall-E.

Source: planetary.s3.amazonaws.com