Mars Perseverance Contractors

Mars Perseverance Contractors: Who`s Behind the Mission`s Success

The Mars Perseverance mission, launched in July 2020, has been grabbing headlines since its successful landing in February 2021. The mission is tasked with collecting samples of Martian rocks and soil, searching for signs of ancient microbial life, and paving the way for future manned missions to the red planet.

But who are the contractors responsible for the mission`s success? Let`s take a closer look.

NASA

As the main agency behind the Mars Perseverance mission, NASA is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the mission, from planning and design to launch and operation. NASA`s Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) manages the mission on behalf of the agency.

JPL is a federally funded research and development center located in Pasadena, California. It works closely with NASA`s other centers and partners, including industry and academia, to develop cutting-edge technology for space exploration.

Lockheed Martin

Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the Mars Perseverance rover, responsible for designing, building, and testing the spacecraft. The company has a long history of designing and building spacecraft for NASA and other government agencies.

Lockheed Martin`s Space division, based in Littleton, Colorado, led the development of the Mars Perseverance rover. The company also built the heat shield that protected the rover during its entry into the Martian atmosphere.

United Launch Alliance

United Launch Alliance (ULA) was responsible for launching the Mars Perseverance mission aboard an Atlas V rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida. ULA is a joint venture between Boeing and Lockheed Martin, with a focus on providing reliable and cost-effective launch services for government and commercial customers.

The Atlas V rocket used for the Mars Perseverance mission is one of ULA`s most reliable and versatile launch vehicles. It has a proven track record of success, with 100% mission success for its previous 85 launches.

Purdue University

Purdue University, located in West Lafayette, Indiana, played a significant role in the Mars Perseverance mission. The university`s School of Aeronautics and Astronautics developed the guidance, navigation, and control algorithms that helped the spacecraft navigate to its landing site on Mars.

Purdue`s algorithms enabled the spacecraft to adjust its trajectory and avoid obstacles during its descent to the Martian surface. This was critical for ensuring a safe landing and successful deployment of the rover.

Conclusion

The Mars Perseverance mission`s success is the result of a collaborative effort between NASA, Lockheed Martin, United Launch Alliance, Purdue University, and many others. Each contractor brought unique expertise and technology to the mission, enabling the spacecraft to travel more than 300 million miles and land safely on the Martian surface.

As the mission continues, these contractors will continue to play a crucial role in the operation and success of the Mars Perseverance rover. Their contributions are a testament to the power of collaboration and the ability of humans to explore and discover the mysteries of the universe.