The Mars rover Curiosity was due to wrap up an exhaustive instrument check last night, clearing the way for its first lengthy drive later today to determine whether the Red Planet has ever been hospitable to life.

NASA's Opportunity rover stretched out its rear wheels in preparation for rolling across the surface of Mars, possibly a day earlier than expected, and the space agency said its twin, Spirit, "will be perfect again" after repairs of crippling software problems.

THE Spirit rover successfully rolled onto Mars early yesterday, placing its six wheels on solid Martian ground for the first time since the robot bounced down on the red planet nearly two weeks ago.

NASA’s Spirit rover yielded the sharpest picture ever taken of the surface of Mars, revealing in breathtaking detail a completely rust-coloured landscape strewn with rocks.