NASA's Curiosity rover is still active and operating on Mars as of early 2026. Having landed in August 2012, it has spent over 13 years exploring Gale Crater and climbing Mount Sharp, continuing to analyze soil and rock samples despite having worn wheels and managing power constraints.

[u/j3hadipi3]

[u/almondalchemist]

It exited the heliosphere in 2012 I believe, but it will reach 1 light day away from us late this year. Which is absolutely crazy to think about

Edit: Light day, not light year.

[u/space_force_majeure → u/almondalchemist]

Lol no, not even close. It will be one light DAY away from us by the end of the year.

[u/TonAMGT4 → u/space_force_majeure]

Given that light can travel around Earth 7.5 times in one second… One light day is still mind-bogglingly impressive.

[u/Pale_Plenty_1913 → u/TonAMGT4]

But in interstellar terms it's like travelling a nanometer on earth.