Few places on earth are as hot, hostile and alien as Death Valley in the USA. Yet Death Valley is the location for a unique experiment as part of the Open University/BBC Two series 'Rough Science' which sees University of Glasgow geologist Iain Stewart from the Centre for Geosciences and four other dynamic and innovative scientists facing a series of challenges on space exploration. The first programme is broadcast tonight, Tuesday 6 January 2004 at 7.30pm on BBC2.

NASA test their latest kit in this harsh desert terrain so it seems the perfect place to see if scientists could take on the might of NASA in their own backyard. The results can be seen in tonight's programme.

As Scotland's first Rough Scientist, Iain Stewart will be joined by veteran Rough Scientists chemist Mike Bullivant from the Open University in Milton Keynes; physicist Jonathan Hare from Sussex University; physicist Kathy Sykes from Bristol and botanist Ellen McCallie from the USA.

Based in an abandoned silver mine, the scientists have just basic tools and electricity at their disposal, so to meet the challenges will stretch their ingenuity, creativity and resourcefulness to the limits. As they grapple with the extreme climate, the scientists also have to find whatever resources the desert can provide.

In tonight's programme, Iain and Ellen will use their geological and botanical skills to search for water in the desert: Death Valley and the deserts around it are some of the driest places on the planet. Assuming they find some water, Kathy and Mike need to find a way of purifying it to make it safe for drinking while Jonathan's challenge is to make a rover; a remote-controlled vehicle that could explore strange new worlds.

Reflecting on his experience, Iain said, 'It was great to finally get geology into Rough Science: this was the first time that an earth scientist had been brought on board. Trying to think of challenges for me was tough though since so much of a geologist's work is outdoors and relies on the trained eye more than cleverly putting together chemical or mechanical nuts and bolts.

But since geology contains elements of all the sciences, I guess I was the jack of all trades on the team. That meant it was great fun - and if you're acting at being a geologist, the stage doesn't come any better than Death Valley.'

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First published: 6 January 2004