Mars Rover to Begin Actually Going Places on Mars

Various tests passed. Curiosity will be getting curiouser tomorrow.

NASA's Mars rover Curiosity has zapped a rock, is playing Hokey Pokey at the pace of a drawn-out cricket match, and continues to pass virtually all of its checkouts with flying colors – and tomorrow takes its first test drive.

That's the word from scientists and mission managers in summing up the rover's last few days on Mars.

The one exception to the string of good news is the loss of one of two wind sensors that form part of the rover's weather station. While not a showstopper, it could compromise the quality of some wind speed and direction measurements the station gathers, the team notes.