Some of the tools, such as a laser-firing instrument for checking rocks' elemental composition from a distance, are the first of their kind on Mars.

ENGADGET: NASA's Curiosity rover receives long-distance OTA update, 'brain transplant' on Mars

The orbiter will carry instruments to study gamma ray and heat emissions from the planet and construct a global map of the planet's elemental composition.

CNN: High-resolution images help prepare for Mars landing