Â
Sponsored by
NATIONAL NEWS
NASA rover prepares to use laser on a Martian rock
Posted: Aug 17, 2012 1:08 PM by Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) - Ready, set, fire.
The NASA Mars rover Curiosity is preparing for its first laser target practice - zapping a Martian rock 10 feet away sometime next week.
Since landing in an ancient crater Aug. 5, Curiosity has been getting a full health checkup. Scientists said Friday they have chosen a generic-looking rock near the landing site to aim the laser at and burn a small hole.
The laser is one of 10 tools Curiosity will use to study whether the environment was favorable for microbial life.
In several weeks, the rover will head east to a spot where three different types of terrain intersect. By year's end, it will start its trek toward a mountain rising from the crater floor.
(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)
PLEASE HELP US MODERATE COMMENTS
Offensive or inappropriate comments are subject to removal. To report a comment, please e-mail us at feedback@ksby.com, and include the name of the story and information on the comment.
Thank you! KSBY.com
KSBY.com is social!
KSBY.COM VIDEOS
-
Evacuees forced from their homes by the most damaging wildfire in Colorado's history return
Views: 17 June 19, 2013 -
Military widow finds another woman's name engraved on her husband's tombstone
Views: 274 June 18, 2013 -
Mother taken into custody after driving under the influence with her son in the car
Views: 45 June 18, 2013 -
Middle schoolers get opportunity to play paintball with local law enforcement
Views: 12 June 16, 2013
Comments