NASA's Ames Research Center, Moffett Field, Calif., announces the opening of the Exploration Center, timed to coincide with NASA's Mars Exploration Rover landings on Mars in January 2004.

The Exploration Center is now open and will remain open through the duration of the Mars Exploration Rover mission.

The Exploration Center features interactive displays and exhibits focused on Mars, the Mars Exploration Rover mission and Ames' scientific and engineering roles in Mars missions - both past and present.

To get to the Exploration Center, which is located just outside NASA Ames Research Center's main gate, take the Moffett Field exit off 101. Follow the signs, proceed to the main gate and take an immediate right turn into the parking lot.

Visitors exploring the Exploration Center on opening day

Exhibits and Activities

Exploration Center Reality Theater: Visitors will see live transmissions of the Mars Exploration Rover landings from mission control at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, as well as panoramic images from high-resolution cameras onboard the rovers as they begin a series of Martian traverses to study the rocks and soil.

An Interactive Children's Room: Young people from ages 3 to 6 can explore Mars and take part in Mars-related activities in an area with Mars-like surroundings and soil.

The Carnegie Mellon University Interactive Rover Yard: Visitors can choose a specific Martian site and control interactive robotic vehicles, similar to the Mars Exploration Rovers, on a realistic Mars science mission.

Ultra-light Thermal Protection Samples: Visitors view thermal protection samples, developed at NASA Ames and designed to protect the rovers as they descend into the Martian atmosphere.

Two Meteorite Samples: Visitors will view the Zagami meteorite, a section of a 40-pound ancient basaltic rock from Mars that fell to Earth as a meteorite in 1962. They can also see the Millbillillie meteorite, a basaltic sample from the asteroid Vesta, which was discovered in 1960.

Trikebot Exhibit: Visitors can view a robot programmed and operated by local high school students at Carnegie Mellon University's summer Robo-camp held at NASA Research Park adjacent to NASA Ames.

Visualization Dome: Visitors can view a Mars terrain flyover from a prototype autonomous Mars airplane. The flyover, based on information from current satellites, simulates what a future Mars airplane will see. Having an autonomous aircraft will let scientists explore greater areas of Mars' surface.

The MERBoard: This large, interactive visual display allows scientists to capture, view and share information about the mission. Developed at NASA Ames, this is a primary computer tool used to plan each rover's Martian traverses.

Rover Exhibits: Visitors can see robots being studied at NASA Ames for future planetary missions, including the K9, Scorpion and Snakebot rovers.

Marsoweb: Visitors can see an Ames-developed set of software tools used by planetary scientists to determine the best and safest sites for the Mars Exploration Rover landings. http://marsoweb.nas.nasa.gov

Computer Area with Links to MarsWeb Sites: Visitors can go to Mars exploration sites, including the JPL Mars Exploration Rover site at: http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html

Mars Topographic Globe: Visitors can view a 3-foot-diameter globe showing landing sites for the Mars Exploration Rovers.

Mars/Earth Illuminated Globe: Visitors can switch between Mars' and Earth's surface features and compare the two planets.

All individuals and groups are welcome. Advanced notification of intention to visit by groups of 20 or more allows us to provide a better visitor experience. Special showtimes and accomodations are made for large groups. Please contact the Exploration Center at (650) 604-6497 or (650) 604-6274 to make reservations.