The Sciencenter unveils a new addition to their Mars and Stars Gallery on November 4 with a remote-controlled Mars Rover exhibit.

Guests play the role of scientist, directing a model rover in real time to drill into rocks and collect dust as the rover moves over simulated Marian terrain.  Using monitors to display the rover’s view and the satellite’s view, guests control the rover remotely as they attempt to accomplish various science missions.

The rover is modeled after an actual NASA rover, consisting of a robot with one arm for collecting information and wheels for navigating over the rocky terrain.  The rover’s arm is used for collecting samples for further analysis, and drilling rocks from the simulated Martian landscape. Solar panels allow the rover to run continuously throughout the day without external power.

The Mars Rover exhibit is made possible by a grant from the Tompkins County Tourism Program and was built by Sciencenter exhibit developer, David Jordan, with computer programming assistance by Sciencenter volunteers.

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