NASA's James Webb and Curiosity enter TIME magazine's "Hall of Fame"

Curiosity Rover Reshapes Mars Science

On Mars, the Curiosity rover continues active exploration. Curiosity operates on the surface inside Gale Crater on the Red Planet. The rover’s onboard laboratory still analyses soil and rock samples. Curiosity has been operating for more than a decade. This rover detected organic molecules preserved in ancient rocks. The rover continues operating far beyond its planned lifespan.

Enduring Value of Space Science

TIME’s Hall of Fame honours sustained influence, not novelty. James Webb and Curiosity deliver discoveries years after launch. Their success reflects decades of engineering excellence.

“NASA does the impossible every day, and it starts with the visionary science that propels humanity farther than ever before,” said Nicky Fox, associate administrator, Science Mission Directorate, NASA Headquarters in Washington.

NASA’s Curiosity Mars rover used two different cameras to create this selfie in front of Mont Mercou in Mars (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS)

TIME Hall Of Fame Recognition

NASA’s Webb telescope and Curiosity rover were inducted into TIME magazine’s Best Inventions Hall of Fame. The honour recognises inventions with lasting global impact and discovery potential. Both missions, James Webb and Mars' Curiosity represent decades of engineering, international collaboration and scientific ambition.

TIME highlights their enduring value, rather than novelty or short-term impact. Their inclusion reflects NASA’s success in creating platforms for long-term discovery.

NASA helped in Reshaping Science

Advanced engineering enabled NASA's unprecedented observational precision. The international collaboration strengthened mission design and resilience. Adaptive software keeps instruments scientifically productive. Continuous data releases maintain global research engagement. James Webb and Curiosity remain platforms for future discoveries.