[meteorite-list] NASA's Curiosity Rover Checks-In on Mars Using Foursquare

[Ron Baalke]

Oct. 03, 2012

John Yembrick / Jason Townsend 
Headquarters, Washington                                        
202-358-1584 / 202-358-0359 
john.yembrick at nasa.gov / jason.c.townsend at nasa.gov 

Courtney O'Connor 
Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. 
818-354-2274 
courtney.m.o'connor at jpl.nasa.gov 

Erin Gleason 
PR Manager, Foursquare 
917-859-0501 
erin at foursquare.com 


RELEASE: 12-341

NASA'S CURIOSITY ROVER CHECKS-IN ON MARS USING FOURSQUARE

WASHINGTON -- NASA's Curiosity Mars rover checked in on Mars Wednesday 
using the mobile application Foursquare. This marks the first 
check-in on another planet. Users on Foursquare can keep up with 
Curiosity as the rover checks in at key locations and posts photos 
and tips, all while exploring the Red Planet. 

"NASA is using Foursquare as a tool to share the rover's new locations 
while exploring Mars," said David Weaver, associate administrator for 
communications at NASA Headquarters in Washington. "This will help to 
involve the public with the mission and give them a sense of the 
rover's travels through Gale Crater." 

After landing in Gale Crater last month, Curiosity began a planned 
23-month mission that includes some of Mars' most intriguing 
scientific destinations. Curiosity is roving toward Mount Sharp, a 
mountain about 3 miles (5 kilometers) tall. The rover is conducting 
experiments along the way, seeking clues in the rocks and soil that 
would indicate whether Mars ever was capable of supporting microbial 
life. It is taking and sharing pictures of the trip. 

Back here on Earth, Foursquare users will be able to earn a 
Curiosity-themed badge on the social media platform for check-ins at 
locations that generate an interest in science, technology, 
engineering and mathematics. Available late this year, this new badge 
will encourage Foursquare users to explore science centers, 
laboratories and museums that pique scientific curiosity. 

NASA has been on Foursquare since 2010 through a strategic partnership 
with the platform. This partnership, launched with astronaut Doug 
Wheelock's first-ever check-in from the International Space Station, 
has allowed users to connect with NASA and enabled them to explore 
the universe and re-discover Earth. 

The partnership launched the NASA Explorer badge for Foursquare users, 
encouraging them to explore NASA-related locations across the 
country. It also included the launch of a NASA Foursquare page, where 
the agency provides official tips and information about the nation's 
space program. 

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) manages the Mars Science 
Laboratory mission and its Curiosity rover for NASA's Science Mission 
Directorate in Washington. The rover was designed, developed and 
assembled at JPL, a division of the California Institute of 
Technology in Pasadena, Calif. 

To find out more about Mars Curiosity and NASA on Foursquare, visit: 

http://www.foursquare.com/MarsCuriosity 

and 

http://www.foursquare.com/NASA 

For information about NASA's partnership with Foursquare, visit: 

http://www.nasa.gov/connect/foursquare.html 

For more information about NASA's Curiosity mission, visit: 

http://www.nasa.gov/msl 

and 

http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/msl 
	
-end-