A British-built rover has begun landing trials in Spain as part of preparations for a possible mission to Mars, according to GB News. The vehicle, reported to be named Charlie, is being tested in the Tabernas desert in Almería, a region that researchers are using as a stand-in for the surface of the Red Planet.
The stated aim of the mission is to search for evidence connected to humans' ancient ancestors, GB News reports. The Telegraph describes the effort as a hunt for humans' ancient ancestor beginning on Mars.
The tests in southern Spain are intended to rehearse the rover's landing, with the desert terrain chosen because it resembles conditions on Mars, according to Sur in English. ITN also reported that the rover, which could be sent to Mars, is undergoing trials in Spain, while EL PAÍS English linked the search for life on Mars to the same testing programme involving Charlie in Almería.
The reporting does not specify a launch date, the rover's full technical specifications, or which organisation is leading the mission, though coverage references the European Space Agency in connection with the landing tests.
What to watch next: whether the Almería trials lead to a confirmed launch schedule and an official mission plan from the agencies involved.
