LAPIS originated as a prototype active-participation educational program designed to involve small groups of high school students and their teachers in testing the prototype Mars rover, FIDO. FIDO is a prototype rover for the Mars Exploration Rover Mission to Mars in 2003. Its purpose is to simulate the complex surface operations that will be necessary in order for exploration and discovery on Mars.

During LAPIS 3, student teams will help complete the May 2001 field test objectives of exploration and discovery by planning, implementing, and archiving their own mission, maintaining a public web site, developing a spectral library, and providing mission support. The student teams will have a chance to work closely with rover scientists and engineers, and communicate with each other via the Internet and teleconferences.

Check out last year's LAPIS Public Web Site.