"The Curiosity rover's objectives include determining Mars's habitability, studying its climate and exogeology, and collecting data for future human missions" (from wikipedia)

Hi Brian, I'd like your guest to drill down into each of these subjects. More specifically, since we've had a number of other rovers on Mars previous to this, what is the Curiosity going to tell us that the other's couldn't? And what exactly do we hope to find out from the Curiosity about the climate, exogeology, and data for future human missions?

Thx!

I found answers to Curiosity power.

MSL Curiosity #11: Building Curiosity: Mars Rover Power
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XZ5ZbE3WVL8

How is dust removed from camera lenses, solar cell arrays?

Are there solar cells on Curiosity - or is it totally nuclear powered?

In light of the prior breast feeding segment, maybe we should use the phrase unpersoned craft??

Anyone who depended on WNYC for coverage last night was disappointed. Instead of local coverage, they left us with extended audio of Jamaicans cheering their independence and Bolt's win. The BBC missed the seven minutes and the landing itself. Very disappointing. I don't have a TV and usually am fine with that, but not last night.

I love that I was able to view LIVE ( albiet just a 14 minute delay due to the distance and speed of light ) the Curiosity landing.
Too bad NBC cant do that with LIVE events.
Also why did they need to use complex cable lowering system ? Men landed on the moon with rocket thrusters, why reinvent ? Seems costly hey

The benefits to the nation, both economic and in science are vast. We need to explore and advance. Yes, these are expensive, but instead of less school lunches, how about one less battle group??

rover, There are banks on Mars that need bailouts?

Martians blame Bush too?

a user on twitter said this just today:
"the mars landing is fascinating and all, but think of how much that money would help in bailing out banks"
makes you think!