Because of the time needed for a radio signal from Earth to reach the rover -- about 14 minutes at Mars' current position -- "We don't command the rover with a joystick or a steering wheel in real time, " Tompkins said.

CNN: Mars rover captures nearby rocket 'footprint'

I'm making some general points in this answer because I don't know anything about the amount involved or your current tax position.

BBC: Fergus Muirhead answers your consumer questions

We haven't quite returned to the company's early days, but its current position is an uncannily familiar one where RIM has to bet the farm on a new project.

ENGADGET: RIM: A brief history from Budgie to BlackBerry 10 Mobile