The Mars Rover Curiosity – sent by NASA to test for signs of life on the Red planet – will take its first test drive today.

The one tonne robot – which landed in a Martian crater on 16 August – is equipped with science instruments to search for organic materials and minerals that might support life.

The test drive is in preparation for the goal of the 2 year mission – to drive the Rover up the 3 mile hign mound in the middle of the crater – known as Mount Sharp.

For its 30 minute test drive the Mars Rover will travel about three metres, turn its wheels, then drive back to its landing site, ending up at a 90-degree angle from where it first landed.