ESA - Robotic Exploration of Mars - Performing tests on the Athena rover

The Arctic Mars Analogue Svalbard Expedition (AMASE) took place from 1-24 August 2009.

The Svalbard archipelago in Norway is unique in the diversity of geological formations it contains, some of which are considered very interesting Mars analogue terrains. During the expedition the scientists performed simulated rover operations on Mars using field prototypes of instruments that will fly on future ESA and NASA missions. Some of these instruments were mounted on the Athena rover, which was used to simulate rover field operations.