NASA NASA launches the robotic Mars Science Laboratory, the largest rover yet sent to Mars, with the aim of finding evidence for past or present life on Mars.
New Zealand general election The Mixed Member Proportional voting system, on early votes only, wins a majority of the vote in the referendum and will be kept. Full results will be released on 10 December 2011.
The New Zealand National Party, led by incumbent Prime Minister John Key, wins 60 seats, one short of the 61 required for a majority. ACT New Zealand and United Future New Zealand indicate that they will work with the National Party to form a coalition government.
Colombia Colombian military forces raid a FARC rebel hideout in the province of Caquetá, freeing police sergeant Luis Alberto Erazu, who had been held hostage by FARC for 12 years. Four other hostages are killed by the rebels during the raid.
Pakistani 26 Pakistani soldiers are killed after a NATO helicopter opens fire on a Pakistani checkpoint, sparking outrage from the Pakistani government.