Here Are the Top Pictures, Video 'Curiosity' Has Beamed Back From Mars This Week

Nearly every day NASA release more information, pictures and compiled videos from Curiosity's activities on the red planet. To simplify this week, TheBlaze pulled together some of the top images and video from the Mars rover into one place.

• Relive the drama in high-def: It has been a few weeks since Curiosity was successfully dropped in "seven minutes of terror" onto Mars. You've seen the low-def video, but this week, NASA released the high-quality version of the descent. The video itself is a compilation of photographs taken as the rover was dropped. Check it out:

•  On the move: For the first time, Curiosity has tested its driving abilities on Mars and made it's first tracks on the rocky surface. "It couldn't be more important," said project manager Peter Theisinger at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "We built a rover. So unless the rover roves, we really haven't accomplished anything ... It's a big moment." The rover's ultimate destination is Mount Sharp.

• Shooting lasers: Curiosity tested its laser equipment on some nearby rocks, making it the "first rock on any extraterrestrial planet to be investigated" with a laser. The ChemCam on the rover caught light from the rock's reaction an analyzed it to learn more about the elements in the rock.

• First break: Even after its precarious landing situation going as smoothly as possible, Curiosity's first break has been identified. A problem with one of the wind sensors on the rover was detected, but officials said it will not affect the mission or determining presence of life on the planet.

For a full wrap-up of what happened this week, here is NASA's weekly rover report:

NASA announced it would hold a televised news conference Monday, Aug. 27, on the mission with new images, progress update and NASA Administrator Charles Bolden being key elements of the event.

Related:

• Mars Rover Wrap-Up: The Most Interesting Facts and Photos from Curiosity This Week
• Martian Sighting? Strange Pics From Mars Rover Explained
• Martian Time? Meet the Family That Switched Its Clocks in Honor of the Mars Rover