April 25, 2011

Send your call sign to Mars


NASA are collecting names to be put on a microchip that'll be onboard the Mars Science Laboratory rover heading to Mars in the fall of 2011.

Some Radio Amateurs have been adding their call sign to last name field.

As well as having your call sign travelling around the Martian surface you also get a electronic commemorative certificate to print out.

The rover has an unusual connection with radio - it has special Morse Code indentations on its wheels that will spell out the initials JPL in Morse as it travels around Mars.
JPL stands for Jet Propulsion Laboratory, builders of the rover.

Put your name/call sign on Mars at
http://marsparticipate.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/
participate/sendyourname/

Mars Science Laboratory
http://marsparticipate.jpl.nasa.gov/msl/

New Mars rover to feature Morse Code
http://www.southgatearc.org/news/march2011/
new_mars_rover.htm

Sourse SGARC web site

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