Airbus trials prototype space rovers in Bedfordshire quarry

Fitted with robotic arms and navigation cameras, the rovers are being developed for mooted missions to the moon and Mars

Two space rover prototypes that could be used to help search for life on Mars are being trialled at a quarry in Bedfordshire. The robots are being put through their paces by the European aerospace giant Airbus, which is considering using the technology to aid missions to the moon.

A four-wheeled rover, named Codi, features navigation cameras and a robotic arm that it can use to collect rocks sealed in small tubes without the need of a human operator.