Bruce Murray Space Image Library

Mars Science Laboratory wheels roll over rocks

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Two wheels scrape across a 50-centimeter-high boulder. Recorded at the opening of the newly remodeled Mars Yard at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory on June 19, 2007, the "scarecrow" model of Mars Science Laboratory (so named because it "has no brain") is put through its paces. It was demonstrated to have no difficulty climbing meter-sized boulders, but to avoid risk the actual rover will not be driven over rocks taller than its wheels while on Mars.