Exploring Mars

Yesterday at the New Frontiers for Engineering and Science exhibition I was able to find out about some exciting and innovative projects happening right on our doorstep. This was held at the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory right next door to the Diamond Light Source and was a chance to showcase what is going on here.

What particularly took my eye was the ExoMars exhibition stand which is due to send up a multitude of experiments to Mars with a Mission landing in around 2013. The 'rover' robot will search for past and present life on Mars, survey the Martian environment and carry out experiments to help define the interior structure of the planet.

Of course, there was a lot more to see and hear about so the whole day was a great learning experience. e-Science, the central laser facility and particle physics all had a lot to offer. We are fortunate to have so much local skill and technology which many of us can so easily take for granted, so Open Days like this one are very welcome.