Twin rovers to explore the martian surface

In 2003, NASA will launch twin Mars rovers to explore the Red Planet. Once on the surface, the Rovers will be able to travel significant distances and use several instruments to help scientists determine the climate and water history in Mars' present and past. Many different people are needed to make such an exciting and important mission successful and many of those people are women.

Scientists, engineers, artists, planners --
women do it all!

Through the "Women Working on Mars" webcast, you'll have a chance to meet some of the women who are involved with this fascinating mission! You will hear from scientists, engineers, artists, web designers and many other women who help make Mars exploration possible--and you can even send in your questions via a live webchat.

Join us as we explore the many ways women are involved in the exciting pursuit of Mars exploration!

Mars Mission women involved:

Shonte Wright, Engineer	Diana Blaney, Scientist	Deborah Bass, Science Operations System Engineer	Jennifer Mindock, Avionics Validation and Verification	Deisy, LAPIS Student Test Mission Participant

Taped participants (click on their names to see their bios):

• Joy Crisp, Mars Exploration Rover Project Scientist
• Jennifer Harris Trosper, Mission Manager
• Laura Berwin, Graphic Artist
• Connie Gennaro, Education Outreach Specialist
• Julie Townsend, Avionics Systems Engineer
• Helen Mortensen, Image Processor
• Kathy McNair Borin, Machinist
  

• Cassie Bowman, Robotics Education Project
• Stephenie Lievense, Mars Public Engagement
  

Preparing for the Webcast

Give yourself plenty of time to prepare ahead. If you don't already have it, you must download and install RealPlayer 8 Basic for best webcast viewing. This player is free. Don't forget, once it is downloaded, it must be installed. See full instructions on How to Participate.

Next, you should try to look at some of the background information provided, especially the NASA expert's bio.

Participating in the Webcast

Learn about past, current, and future missions at NASA's Mars Exploration website

Visit the NASA Robotics Education Project to get more information about robotics

Help NASA Imagine Mars

Get some background on Mars exploration from NASA's "Journey to Mars"

Command your own rover on earth or the moon

Suit up, strap in, and blast off at the Mars Exploration Rover Athena Science Payload website

Build an edible Mars spacecraft

Take pictures of Mars and learn from your own data through the Mars Student Imaging Project

Build your own robot in the FIRST Robotics Competition

Try programming your Lego 'bot to compete in the Botball Robotics Competition

Send your name to Mars

NASA Quest Chat Lesson