Trending Now - Curiosity Rover Unintentionally Dislodges Rock on Mars

WHO:

NASA - The organization responsible for the Curiosity Mars rover mission.

WHAT:

NASA - The Curiosity rover unintentionally dislodged a rock nicknamed “Atacama” while drilling.

Science Daily - The rock was pulled loose from the ground and remained stuck to the rover's drill.

WHERE:

NASA - The event took place on Mars.

WHEN:

NASA - The rock got stuck to the drill on April 25, 2026.

NASA - The rover captured a view of the rock on May 6, 2026, during the 4,877th Martian day, or sol, of the mission.

HOW:

Science Daily - Engineers observed the Curiosity rover as it shook, vibrated, tilted, and spun the drill over several days in an effort to free the rock.

(UPDATED May 12, 2026 01:32 UTC)

NASA's Curiosity rover has unintentionally dislodged a rock nicknamed "Atacama" while drilling on Mars, and this rock became stuck to the rover's drill. Engineers have been closely monitoring the rover as it shook, vibrated, tilted, and spun the drill over several days in an effort to free the rock, which was pulled loose from the ground on April 25, 2026. The rover captured a view of the Atacama rock on May 6, 2026, during the 4,877th Martian day of its mission.