Laser shoot-out on Mars: Curiosity burns hole in rock

Nasa’s Curiosity rover has zapped its first Martian rock, aiming its laser for the sake of science.

During the target practice yesterday Curiosity fired 30 pulses at a nearby rock over a 10-second window, burning a small hole.

Since landing in Gale Crater two weeks ago, the six-wheel rover has been checking out its instruments including the laser.