Yahoo says that all systems are go for the two Mars Exploration Rovers (MER) to launch. The first rover temporarily named "MER-A" will launch on June 6th and the other "MER-B" will launch on June 25th. That puts MER-A to arrive at Mars about six months later on January 4th, 2004 and MER-B to arrive on January 25th. The two robotic geologists will arrive on opposite sides of the planet and against all odds will use its Rock Abrasian Tool (RAT) and other sensors to aid in Nasa's tireless search for signs of life and water. These robots will land like the previous rover did with the awesome tried-and-true airbag bouncing across the landscape method.

In addition to the Nasa's two rovers, a third rover, ESA's Mars Express Orbitor and Beagle rover will launch June 1st and arrive December 26th to wander around Mars. That will be three robotic rovers operating on Mars all at the same time! Zowie!

More Rover News to look over: MER Status, Wind Water Theory, ABC News, ESA's Mars Express, JPL's MER Home, Rock Hound, Another Mars Today, Interplanetary internet.