Mars rover Curiosity set to use laser on Martian rock

Los Angeles: There is some more good news as NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity is gearing to zap up Martian rock by using its laser technique.

Scientists have particularly chosen a generic-looking rock near the landing site to claim it as its first aim laser target and burn a small hole into it.
The laser is one of 10 tools Curiosity will use to study whether the environment was favorable for microbial life.

Engineers next week plann to command Curiosity to turn its wheels side-to-side and then take its first short drive that will involve rolling forward 10 feet, turning 90 degrees and then going in reverse.

After the check-ups are done, the rover will head 1,300 feet east to a spot where three different types of terrain converge in a drive that will take about a month. By year's end, it will start its trek toward a mountain rising from the crater floor.