Curiosity rover does 180-degree turn on Mars :: WRAL.com: Curiosity’s aluminum wheels are wearing more than expected. Small punctures and even a tear have occurred as the rover drove over ground rougher than but also more geologically interesting than anticipated. The team planning Curiosity’s route has hatched a unique plan to help the mission stay on task while reducing wheel wear. Doing a 180 into a kinder-gentler route.
On Feb. 18, rover drivers began practicing driving the rover backwards. Like a Carolina Hurricanes defensemen effortlessly changing directions on the blue line, Curiosity eased into her new direction setting a one-day distance record of 329 feet. This isn’t like trying to drive with a backup camera mounted on the rear of the family minivan. Curiosity is equipped with the same hazard cameras on the front and rear of the rover.