Team that Helped "Curiosity" Blast Off Honored At Capitol - Central Coast News KION/KCBA

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - Five members of the team which helped send NASA's mars rover "curiosity" to the red planet were honored Monday at the state capitol, kicking off California Aerospace Week.

The five work for the NASA Jet Propulsion Lab in Pasadena and were were recognized for their work in helping land the car-sized rover on Mars last August after an eight-and-half month flight.

The rover is exploring mars, sending back photos and information to NASA.

Flight Software Engineer for the Propulsion lab, Danny Lam, was asked about their most important finding or accomplishment with curiosity so far.

"Just being able to land a huge rover that weighs about one ton and is the size of a mini cooper. That's a first right of humankind."

On Tuesday, NASA will display a mock "Curiosity" on the steps of the capitol.  

Also tomorrow, NASA will announce some of the latest discoveries from Curiosity's first rock powder sample.