It's been 13 years since the Curiosity rover landed in Gale Crater on Mars. Although the original mission lasted just two years, it was quickly extended indefinitely. The rover's primary goal is to help scientists determine whether Mars could have supported life in the past. Despite its age, Curiosity is still operational, although NASA has had to constantly adapt its systems to ensure its continued operation.
In a post on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of the landing, NASA explained what changes were made. The most important is power management. The rover runs on the MMRTG power system, which generates electricity using the heat from the decay of plutonium. But over time, the generator’s power decreases, so the team carefully plans each task to minimize energy consumption. For example, Curiosity can now perform multiple tasks at once — such as moving and transmitting data — and if it finishes work early, it goes into sleep mode to save battery power.
NASA also updated the drilling rig's algorithms and improved the rover's ability to move. Another algorithm helps reduce wheel wear, extending its lifespan.
Over the years, Curiosity has made a number of important discoveries: finding organic molecules, detecting high levels of methane—a gas often associated with life on Earth—and traces of ancient floods. All of this suggests that Mars may have had conditions suitable for life in the past.