Exploring Mars: The Next Generation

In 2004, NASA captured the world’s imagination with the successful deployment of the Mars Expedition Rovers, “Spirit” and “Opportunity.” After completing their planned missions, something amazing happened: the solar energy-driven ROVs kept on going, capturing additional data and sending back images while working beyond their 90-day planned life. “Opportunity” is still roaming Mars... [read more]

In 2004, NASA captured the world’s imagination with the successful deployment of the Mars Expedition Rovers, “Spirit” and “Opportunity.” After completing their planned missions, something amazing happened: the solar energy-driven ROVs kept on going, capturing additional data and sending back images while working beyond their 90-day planned life. “Opportunity” is still roaming Mars today—more than five years later. Recently, this hardy rover surpassed 20 kilometers of total driving since landing on Mars, and is still going strong.

Kobie Boykins, a mechanical engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, designed and helped build the celebrated solar arrays that power the rovers. Boykins is currently working on NASA‘s Mars Science Laboratory—a next-generation rover that will assess the planet’s ability to support microbial life. The upcoming mission is scheduled for launch in the fall of 2011.

Boykins’ enthusiasm for space exploration and Mars in particular is infectious. Join him for an engaging evening exploring the Red Planet.

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