The robotic rover Curiosity has instruments that detect radiation both inside the spacecraft and in the Mars environment. What is most likely the purpose of this radiation detection? to determine whether human exploration of Mars is possible to develop better X-ray technology to find evidence of once-living Martian microorganisms to investigate evidence of hydrogen and water

to determine whether human exploration of Mars is possible

The correct answer:

One of the purposes for the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) on the NASA's rover Curiosity is to determine whether human exploration of Mars is possible.

Through accurate measurements of the martian radiation, NASA will be able to design human missions more efficiently. Thus, the uncertainty around how much shielding is required to keep the astronauts safe is significantly reduced.