Astronomy current events question: Curiosity rover power source

Astronomy 210L, fall semester 2012
Cuesta College, San Luis Obispo, CA

Students are assigned to read online articles on current astronomy events, and take a short current events quiz during the first 10 minutes of lab. (This motivates students to show up promptly to lab, as the time cut-off for the quiz is strictly enforced!)

Martin LaMonica, "Nuclear Generator Powers Curiosity Mars Mission," August 7, 2012
http://www.technologyreview.com/view/428751/nuclear-generator-powers-curiosity-mars-mission/

The NASA Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover on Mars is powered by __________ to provide heat and electricity.
(A) byproducts from onboard photosynthetic bacteria.
(B) chemicals that react with water vapor.
(C) regenerative fuel cells.
(D) a nuclear generator.
(E) solar panels.

Correct answer: (D)

Student responses
Sections 70178, 70186, 70200
(A) : 0 students
(B) : 2 students
(C) : 4 students
(D) : 36 students
(E) : 22 students