Its prime target is the 18, 000-foot (5, 500-meter) peak at the center of Gale Crater, Mount Sharp, where scientists hope to get a layer-by-layer look at the history of the planet.

CNN: Mars rover captures nearby rocket 'footprint'

The rover's mission is to determine whether Mars ever had an environment capable of supporting life, and its prime target is Mount Sharp, the 18, 000-foot (5, 500-meter) peak about 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) to the south.

CNN: Mars panorama shows Curiosity's prime target