US to launch machine seeking signs of life on Mars

WASHINGTON: The biggest, most advanced robotic machine ever built to explore Mars is poised to launch Saturday on a mission to find places where life may have existed, or may live on today, NASA said this week.

The $2.5 billion Mars Science Laboratory has been described as a "dream machine" by US space agency scientists because of its state-of-the-art cameras, robotic arm, mobile chemistry lab and rock-zapping laser beam.

The launch of the 1,982-pound (899-kilogram) vehicle is set for November 26 at 10:02 am (1502 GMT) from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.

After a nearly nine month journey to the red planet, the unmanned rover, nicknamed Curiosity, should make a spectacular rocket-powered sky crane landing before rolling off to scour Earth's nearest neighbor for interesting rocks. (AFP)