Live From Mars: How Electric Ears Help Red Planet Rover Hear Mars For First Time

Roger Wiens, a planetary scientist and Mars rover expert at Purdue University with a topographical model of Mars and a photo of Curiosity. (Purdue University-John Underwood/Zenger)

The scientists who created high-tech electric ears for the Mars rover – allowing them to hear the Red Planet for the first time – have revealed how they are helping in the search for life.

Robotics expert Professor Roger Wiens of Purdue University built SuperCam, equipped with microphones and a laser to zap rocks for sampling.