[Tyler]

Mars Rover Sensor is RAD
     






Future human missions to Mars will be accompanied by the Radiation
Assessment Detector (RAD).
RAD will be one of 10 instruments used on the Mars
Curiosity rover set for touchdown on the red planet in 2012.
Its goal is to monitor naturally occurring radiation that can be
unhealthful if absorbed by living organisms.
Unlike Mars, Earth's magnetic field and atmosphere provide shielding
against the deadly effects of cosmic rays and solar particles.
RAD will help scientist assess whether Curiosity's landing region on
Mars has had conditions favorable for life and for preserving evidence
about life.

   

http://robots.net/article/3071.html