In addition to searching for signs of ancient life, Mars 2020 is the next step in preparation for manned missions to the red planet.
According to deputy mission leader Matt Wallace, the automobile-sized rover is “…designed to seek signs of life, so we're carrying a number of different instruments that will help us understand the geological and chemical context on the surface of Mars."
"What we're looking for is ancient microbial life—we're talking about billions of years ago on Mars, when the planet was much more Earth-like," Wallace added.
The launch date has not been set, but is anticipated in July 2020, with a scheduled arrival at Mars in February 2021.
Wallace also said, "I think of it, really, as the first human precursor mission to Mars."