NASA’s Curiosity rover recently made an astonishing discovery on Mars by accidentally crushing a boulder, revealing yellow sulfur crystals. This find is groundbreaking as it marks the first time rocks composed of pure sulfur have been observed on the Red Planet. The conditions required for sulfur crystal formation are typically limited and were not considered present in the region Curiosity explored. Since October 2023, Curiosity has been navigating an area abundant in sulfates, which are sulfur-containing salts formed through water evaporation. While previous detections involved sulfur mixed with other materials, this discovery of elemental sulfur challenges scientists’ understanding of Mars’s geological history. The unexpected nature of this find has sparked excitement among scientists, highlighting the unpredictable and thrilling aspects of planetary exploration.

Curiosity discovered the sulfur crystals while traversing the Gediz Vallis channel, located on the slopes of Mount Sharp, a 3-mile-tall mountain the rover has been climbing since 2014. NASA’s project scientist Ashwin Vasavada described the discovery as finding “an oasis in the desert,” emphasizing its surprising and enigmatic nature. The rover uncovered not just a single crystal, but an entire field of bright rocks similar to the one it crushed, prompting questions about their origin and relationship to other sulfur-based minerals in the area. Previous observations included calcium sulfate, known as gypsum, which is a remnant of ancient groundwater flows. This latest finding adds another layer of complexity to Mars’ geological narrative. Despite sulfur’s common presence in the universe and on Earth, the pure sulfur rocks on Mars present a unique puzzle for scientists to solve, underscoring the ever-evolving and fascinating nature of space exploration.

NASA is boldly advancing the exploration of Mars with a revolutionary project, the Mars Aerial and Ground Global Intelligent Explorer (MAGGIE). This compact fixed-wing electric aircraft, powered by solar energy, is designed for vertical take-off and landing on the Martian surface. Resembling the iconic Wright Flyer, MAGGIE’s wings are constructed from solar panels, harnessing the Red Planet’s sunlight for sustained flight. With a top speed of over 100 miles per hour and an altitude capability of 3,300 feet, MAGGIE is poised to explore Mars like never before. The development of MAGGIE is made possible through the support of NASA’s Innovative Advanced Concepts (NIAC) grant program.

Ingenuity, the small helicopter drone that accompanied the Perseverance rover to Mars, played a crucial role in gathering flight data in the Martian atmosphere. With over 30 successful flights, Ingenuity provided valuable insights into wind resistance, airspeed, and other avionic metrics, paving the way for the innovative MAGGIE project. As Mars possesses an atmosphere 160 times thinner than Earth’s, MAGGIE’s design incorporates a cruise lift coefficient nearly an order of magnitude higher than conventional subsonic aircraft, enabling it to navigate the challenging Martian conditions. The potential applications for MAGGIE include studying the Martian core dynamo, investigating methane signals, and mapping subsurface water ice, demonstrating its transformative impact on Martian exploration. NASA is planning to have the solar-powered Mars plane ready to fly in the next 6 years.