The Rock Abrasion Tool (RAT) was the first machine ever to gain access to the interior of rocks on another planet. Designed, developed, and operated by Honeybee Robotics as a part of NASA's twin 2003 Mars Exploration Rovers science payload, the RAT uses grinding wheels of diamond dust and resin to gently abrade the surface of Martian rocks.
- Compact and low power. Using three small motors the RAT requires only 11 watts of electricity to cut into Martian rock. Weighing 685 g, the RAT measures 7 cm in diameter and 10 cm long, about the size of a coke can.
- The tool as an instrument. Honeybee is part of ongoing testing efforts to characterize the properties of rocks on Mars. Engineering data from the RATs has been used to determine the properties of rocks on Mars.
- Robust and reliable. The RATs have performed long beyond their design life in the dusty Mars environment. Honeybee engineers continue to support NASA efforts to make every use of the available hardware.
