NASA has just announced that it awarded a contract to Lockheed Martin Space to build the Mars Ascent Vehicle (MAV). This small, lightweight rocket will transpor rock, sediment, and atmospheric samples from the surface of the Red Planet back to Earth. The harsh Martian surface is going to challenge the MAV, as it not only has to be rugged enough to withstand the harsh environment, but also adaptable to work with multiple spacecraft. Read more for a video and additional information.
Plus, the Mars Ascent Vehicle must be small enough to fit inside the Sample Retrieval Lander. The latter is set for launch no earlier than 2026 from NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida. During this development phase, Lockheed Martin Space aims to provide multiple MAV test units and a flight unit to NASA. The agency’s Mars Sample Return Campaign hopes to revolutionize our understanding of Mars by bringing scientifically selected samples for study using the most sophisticated instruments yet.
LEGO Creator 3in1 Space Rover Explorer 31107 Building Toy for Kids Who Love Imaginative Play, Space and Exploration Adventures on Exotic Planets (510 Pieces)
- This LEGO Creator 3in1 Space Rover Explorer 31107 set encourages kids’ creative play, featuring 3 models in 1, a Space Rover Explorer, space base or space flyer; Building and rebuilding extends the play endlessly
- Kids can stretch their creativity and building skills as they study an alien in a Space Rover Explorer, recharge in a space base, go planet-hopping in a space flyer or build something new
- This set gives kids 3 options to build: A LEGO Creator 3in1 Space Rover Explorer toy, space base or space flyer, to play with solo or with other sets. The set also has an astronaut minifigure for extra play fun
- Any fan of creative building will love this awesome set; The sturdy Space Rover Explorer, space base and space flyer models make a great gift for boys and girls aged 8+
- The Space Rover Explorer measures over 6” (17cm) high, 7” (20cm) long and 4” (11cm) wide, meaning this exciting action toy is full of awesome details and big enough for serious adventures
This groundbreaking endeavor is destined to inspire the world when the first robotic round-trip mission retrieves a sample from another planet – a significant step that will ultimately help send the first astronauts to Mars. America’s investment in our Mars Sample Return program will fulfill a top priority planetary science goal and demonstrate our commitment to global partnerships, ensuring NASA remains a leader in exploration and discovery,” said Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator.
[Source]
Source link
