The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has decided to proceed with plans to launch a big new rover to Mars next year. Friday's decision came after concerns were raised about the budget and technical progress for the Mars Science Laboratory. The head of the Mars exploration program at NASA's Los Angeles office said the space agency will examine the mission's progress again in January. The Mars Science Laboratory is an improved rover designed to roam the surface of Mars and study rocks to determine whether the environment could support microbial life.