Posted by tourdemars to Mars Science Laboratory at November 2, 2003 12:00 PM

NASA scientists are testing a robot named FIDO for a trip to Mars. The six-wheel, 145-pound, solar-powered "K9 rover," FIDO (Field Integrated Design and Operations), is undergoing research at Graniterock Co.’s quarry. Liam Pedersen, NASA scientist, said NASA needed a rocky Mars-like research spot that isn’t covered in vegetation. The quarry fit the bill. The rover will act as a research guinea pig to develop another robot NASA will use for its 2009 Mars Science Laboratory mission.