Curiosity went through its paces "flawlessly" on its third full day on the planet, mission manager Michael Watkins said Thursday.

CNN: Mars panorama shows Curiosity's prime target

"We want to be sure that what we are testing is Mars, and not Earth contaminants, " said MSL mission operations manager Michael Watkins.

WSJ: Mars Mission Seeks a Happy Landing

But for mission operations manager Michael Watkins, the most powerful image was among the simplest: the shadow of Curiosity looming over the Martian soil.

WSJ: NASA's Curiosity Rover Lands on Mars