NASA rover prepares to use laser on a Martian rock

(AP) Ready, set, fire.

The NASA Mars rover Curiosity is preparing for its first laser target practice zapping a Martian rock 10 feet away sometime next week.

Since landing in an ancient crater Aug. 5, Curiosity has been getting a full health checkup. Scientists said Friday they have chosen a generic-looking rock near the landing site to aim the laser at and burn a small hole.

The laser is one of 10 tools Curiosity will use to study whether the environment was favorable for microbial life.

In several weeks, the rover will head east to a spot where three different types of terrain intersect. By year's end, it will start its trek toward a mountain rising from the crater floor.