Set to Roll in 2009: The All-New Bigger, Badder-Ass Mars Rover

A new, improved, and substantially larger Mars rover is currently in the making and is set to continue the important exploration started by smaller predecessors over the last decade. This huge rover, weight almost 2000 pounds, is designed with the soul purpose of exploring the ability of Mars to support life, both in the past and at the present. While the final production model will not be ready until 2009, talk of where to land the huge rover on Mars has already begun. The equipment on the new rover is extensive, ranging from an air bag to help with landing, a laser vaporizer, a percussion drill, a neutron gun, and it is powered by nuclear power. Scientists hope that this new rover will help to make headway in the search for past or present life on Mars.


http://www.wired.com/science/space/magazine/16-01/st_rover