Mars-Bound Probes Carry Kiwi Surprise

The twin probes of the ESCAPADE mission, designed and built by Rocket Lab, a New Zealand-based end-to-end space company, have successfully launched towards Mars, carrying a unique Easter egg - the first kiwis to fly to the red planet. The mission, led by the Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, lifted off on a 22-month trip to Mars on Thursday aboard a New Glenn rocket. According to Lindsay McLaurin, senior communications manager for space systems at Rocket Lab, the inclusion of kiwis in the mission is a nod to the company's New Zealand heritage. "Rocket Lab has a tradition of hiding kiwis in many areas of its design," McLaurin said in a statement. "We're thrilled to be taking this symbol of New Zealand to Mars and sharing it with the world." The ESCAPADE mission aims to study the Martian magnetosphere and the planet's loss of atmosphere in real-time. The twin spacecraft, named Blue and Gold after the University of California, Berkeley's colors, will enter Martian orbit and provide valuable insights into the complex interactions between the planet's magnetic field and the solar wind. The mission marks a significant milestone for Rocket Lab, which has designed, built, and tested the ESCAPADE probes. The company, founded in New Zealand but headquartered in California, has been at the forefront of private space exploration and development. The inclusion of kiwis in the mission is a testament to the company's commitment to its roots and its innovative approach to space travel. The ESCAPADE mission has garnered international attention, with scientists and space enthusiasts around the world following the progress of the twin probes. As the mission continues on its 22-month journey to Mars, it is expected to provide valuable insights into the Martian environment and the complex interactions between the planet's magnetic field and the solar wind. The next development in the ESCAPADE mission is expected to be the entry of the twin probes into Martian orbit, which is scheduled to occur in the spring of 2026. From there, the spacecraft will begin their scientific observations, providing a wealth of data and insights into the Martian environment.