You can be part of NASA’s next mission to Mars, the Mars 2020 Perseverance mission, on Thursday, July 30, by registering for the event for free online participation.
The Mars 2020 mission is part of NASA’s Mars Exploration Program, which is a long-term effort of robotic exploration of the Red Planet.
“After landing in February 2021, this robotic astrobiologist will address key questions about the potential for life on Mars, what the environment was like billions of years ago, and seek signs of ancient microbial life that might be preserved in the unique rocks of Jezero Crater,” the event brief says.
“Perseverance will use its drill to collect rock and soil samples and set them aside for a future mission to potentially return to Earth. It will also demonstrate new technologies that pave the way for human exploration beyond the Moon. The Mars Helicopter, Ingenuity, will ride to Mars attached to the belly of the rover. The helicopter will be a first-time test of powered flight on Mars. As NASA prepares for this exciting mission, we intend to bring the excitement of launch to you!”
The Perseverance rover will collect core samples of rocks and soils and set them aside in a “cache” on the surface of Mars so that a future mission could return these samples to Earth. With this mission, scientists will be able to study the samples in laboratories with special room-sized equipment that are too large to take to Mars, according to NASA.
You need to register for the event through Eventbrite. Then you will have access to communications about additional virtual participation opportunities and any schedule changes.