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Space GLOBAL10 November 2026

Curiosity Drills Nazca Rock to Investigate Possible Martian Crystals

Original report:

NASA’s Curiosity rover completed its 49th drill hole in a rock containing disc-shaped features interpreted as possible crystals. The mission’s account, covering October 2026 planning, said a sample had been delivered to CheMin, with analysis results still awaiting transmission to Earth.

AI-generated illustration: Curiosity Drills Nazca Rock to Investigate Possible Martian Crystals
AI-generated illustration · conceptual, not a photograph of the event

Curiosity drilled a target named Nazca after returning to an area containing disc-shaped rock inclusions that scientists considered possible crystals. In an account tied to planning on Oct. 23, 2026, NASA’s mission team reported that the rover completed its 49th drill hole after checks confirmed both rover stability and the rock’s suitability for drilling.

The team examined Nazca with APXS, MAHLI and ChemCam before drilling, then delivered material to CheMin. Results were still being transmitted to Earth at the time of the account. ChemCam also examined drilling debris and the hole wall, while other investigations targeted dark pebbles and additional disc-shaped features.

The scientific interest rests on whether the disc-shaped inclusions are actually crystals. Author Susanne P. Schwenzer explained that, if confirmed, comparisons with terrestrial crystals could help interpret environmental conditions. The account does not establish their identity or report the awaited CheMin findings, leaving the central mineralogical question unresolved.

Source

NASA Science — 10 November 2026

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