KSC-03pd0661
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, Fla. -A worker in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility pauses during checkout of one of the two Mars Exploration Rovers, MER-2. MER-1 and MER-2, their aeroshells and landers will undergo a full mission simulation before being integrated. After spin balance testing, each spacecraft will be mated to a solid propellant upper stage booster that will propel the spacecraft out of Earth orbit. Approximately 10 days before launch they will be transported to the launch pad for mating with their respective Boeing Delta II rockets. The rovers will serve as robotic geologists to seek answers about the evolution of Mars, particularly for a history of water. The rovers are identical to each other, but will land at different regions of Mars. Launch of the first rover is scheduled for May 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station. The second will follow June 25.
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Details
NASA ID
KSC-03pd0661
Date Created
March 6, 2003
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Location
Kennedy Space Center, FL
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