NASA/JPL-Caltech/MSSS

As the Curiosity Rover gets closer to completing testing exercises, it won’t be long before we start to see results from its examination of Mars’ surface for evidence of the past or current ability to maintain life. Canadian pride should swell as the APXS takes action in analyzing the chemical composition of the sample rock and soil sections taken by Rover. The APXS geological analysis tool is Canada’s main contribution to the program and will be responsible for developing the reports that support, confirm or disprove existing theories about life on Mars.

http://www.cbc.ca/news/technology/story/2012/08/08/sci-mars-rover-lookahead.html