Rocket Lab prepares twin spacecraft for NASA Mars mission

Written by Copernical Team Wednesday, 31 July 2024 20:14

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Long Beach CA (SPX) July 31, 2024

Rocket Lab has successfully integrated and tested two spacecraft that will support NASA's upcoming Mars mission. This major milestone demonstrates Rocket Lab's capability in developing interplanetary spacecraft. The twin spacecraft, part of NASA's EscaPADE mission (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers), are designed to study the Martian magnetosphere. The mission aims to p

Rocket Lab prepares twin spacecraft for NASA Mars mission
by Clarence Oxford
Long Beach CA (SPX) July 31, 2024

Rocket Lab has successfully integrated and tested two spacecraft that will support NASA's upcoming Mars mission. This major milestone demonstrates Rocket Lab's capability in developing interplanetary spacecraft.

The twin spacecraft, part of NASA's EscaPADE mission (Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers), are designed to study the Martian magnetosphere. The mission aims to provide insights into how solar wind affects Mars' atmosphere and contributes to atmospheric loss. These findings will help scientists understand the planet's climate history and potential habitability.

"Completing the integration and testing of the EscaPADE spacecraft is a key step towards their journey to Mars," said Peter Beck, Rocket Lab founder and CEO. "Our team has worked meticulously to ensure these spacecraft are ready for the challenging conditions of interplanetary space and the Martian environment."

The spacecraft will now be prepared for shipment to NASA's Kennedy Space Center, where they will undergo final preparations for launch. The mission is scheduled to launch in 2024 aboard a commercial launch vehicle.

NASA's Heliophysics Division is overseeing the EscaPADE mission, which is part of the Small Innovative Missions for Planetary Exploration (SIMPLEx) program. The program aims to develop cost-effective and innovative space exploration missions.

Rocket Lab's contribution to the EscaPADE mission underscores the company's growing role in supporting NASA's science and exploration goals. By providing critical spacecraft and mission support, Rocket Lab continues to expand its capabilities in the field of interplanetary exploration.