The Mars rover Curiosity has made history by beaming the first audio recording of a human voice back to earth from another planet.

The recording was made by NASA administrator Charlie Bolden, congratulating NASA staff on their achievements.

Executive Dave Lavery said that Curiosity represents the next step in extending the human presence beyond earth.

He told reporters: "As Curiosity continues her mission we hope that the words of the administrator will be an inspiration to someone who is alive today, who will become the first to stand upon the surface of the planet Mars."

Curiosity's next task is to take the first samples from the Martian atmosphere which will be used by scientists to gain a better understanding of Mars' history.

NASA officials have also announced that they will begin driving Curiosity longer distances along the Gale Crater.