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Related Links
JPL MER Homepage
MER Trailers
Exploration Center fact sheet
Contributors to the Exploration Center
Carnegie Mellon
SGI
Computational Sciences Division
Ames Astrobiology Group
Marsoweb
Ames Human Factors
ARES the Mars Airplane
Center for Mars Exploration
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Please note: The NASA Exploration Center will be closed from October 12-14, 2004 for maintenance and new exhibit installation. We appreciate your patience in allowing us to make the Exploration Center an even better experience for you and your family. 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
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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.
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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
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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
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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. |
Exploration Center Schedule of Operations:
Tuesday - Friday: 10 a.m.- 4 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday: 12 p.m.-4 p.m
The Exploration Center will be closed on Mondays and federal government holidays (exceptions noted below)
Please note: The NASA Exploration Center will be closed from October 12-14, 2004 for maintenance and new exhibit installation. We appreciate your patience in allowing us to make the Exploration Center an even better experience for you and your family.
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A map can be found here |
Admission is Free |
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.
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