It's hoped the birthday will be auspicious for the landing, NASA's John Grunsfeld said in a news conference.

CNN: Rover Curiosity near Mars landing

It was communicated by the agency's associate administrator for science, John Grunsfeld.

BBC: Nasa to send new rover to Mars in 2020

So not only do I want to congratulate the team, I want to call out a few of the leaders of the group, including Adam, but also Peter Theisinger, Richard Cook, John Grotzinger, John Grunsfeld.

WHITEHOUSE: The White House