Artist's conception of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Rover, currently under development, using the ChemCam instrument to identify the chemical composition of a rock. ChemCam is innovative for planetary exploration in using a technique referred to as laser breakdown spectroscopy to determine the chemical composition of samples from distances of up to about 8 meters (25 feet) away. The new rover will have a greater range than any previous one, and would investigate the past and present ability of Mars to support life. NASA is considering using nuclear energy to power the rover, as this would lengthen its operating lifespan.