The rover's goals include: investigation of the Martian climate and geology; assessment of whether the selected field site inside Gale Crater has ever offered environmental conditions favorable for microbial life, including investigation of the role of water; and planetary habitability studies in preparation for future human exploration. Curiosity 's design will serve as the basis for the planned Mars 2020 rover. In December 2012, Curiosity 's two-year mission was extended indefinitely.