Rocket Lab USA, Inc. a global leader in launch services and space systems, has successfully packed and shipped two Mars-bound spacecraft to Cape Canaveral, FL in preparation for launch. These twin spacecraft for the Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers (ESCAPADE) heliophysics mission were designed, built, integrated, and tested by Rocket Lab for the University of California Berkeley\u2019s Space Science Laboratory and NASA.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The spacecraft, known as Blue and Gold, recently completed comprehensive assembly, integration, and test at Rocket Lab\u2019s Spacecraft Production Complex and headquarters in Long Beach, California. Following this milestone, the Rocket Lab team conducted final closeout activities, including the installation of spacecraft solar arrays and multi-layer insulation (MLI) blankets, before they were packaged and shipped to Florida for launch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Upon arrival at NASA\u2019s Kennedy Space Center (KSC) Launch Complex, Rocket Lab team members will transfer the spacecraft to a cleanroom for post-transport inspections and tests. Following thorough checks, the team will commence preparation for fueling the spacecraft in anticipation of their upcoming launch on Blue Origin\u2019s New Glenn rocket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe\u2019ve already been to the Moon for NASA, so we\u2019re excited to build on that and send Rocket Lab technology deeper into the solar system, this time to the Red Planet,\u201d said Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck. \u201cOur Space Systems team has built a beautiful and highly capable pair of spacecraft to help NASA and the University of California Berkeley further humanity\u2019s understanding of Mars. We couldn\u2019t be prouder to be an ESCAPADE mission partner enabling science and exploration missions beyond our planet. After a meticulous but speedy build and test phase, we\u2019re excited to have Blue and Gold on their way to the Cape and a step closer to Mars.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“The successful delivery of the spacecraft to Kennedy Space Center marks a significant milestone and the culmination of over three years of dedicated teamwork from individuals across the project, especially our partners at Rocket Lab,\u201d said Rob Lillis, ESCAPADE Principal Investigator and Associate Director for Planetary Science at the UC Berkeley Space Sciences Laboratory. \u201cInterplanetary spacecraft must be much more resilient than earth satellites, and developing not one, but two of these probes almost from scratch was no small feat. Time and again, Rocket Lab\u2019s agility and tireless efforts have impressed me, exemplified by their frequent ‘hero mode’ (a saying we have on the project) to troubleshoot and keep the project on course. We couldn\u2019t ask for better partners in this endeavor. Now, we\u2019re thrilled to embark on this first step of our journey to Mars!”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Once launched, the ESCAPADE mission will measure plasma and magnetic fields around the Red Planet. These observations will help scientists unravel the processes that strip atoms from Mars\u2019 magnetosphere and upper atmosphere, offering critical insights into Martian climate evolution. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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