Rep. Chu “Ecstatic” about NASA’s Mars 2020 Rover Mission

This week, NASA announced plans for an unprecedented voyage to Mars in 2020. Rep. Judy Chu (CA-27), whose district includes Caltech, which operates the Jet Propulsion Lab for NASA, released the following statement:

“I am ecstatic about the announcement,” said Rep. Chu. “Based out of the Jet Propulsion Lab right here in Pasadena, the Mars 2020 mission will push science to new heights, paving the way for manned exploration of Mars – even the possibility of eventual habitation. The prospects are unlimited. Not only does this promote jobs and keep talent in our district by building on the momentum of the Brain Trust, but it brings the potential for the next groundbreaking commercial technology the same way past exploration brought us the camera phone.”

The Mars 2020 mission builds on the success of the Mars Exploration Rover, which set a record for distance traveled on another planet. It will carry a payload of seven advanced instruments that will uncover the geologic history of Mars in unprecedented detail. NASA hopes that a deeper understanding of Martian natural resources will enable scientists and engineers to plan for eventual human habitation.

More information on the mission can be found at www.nasa.gov/mars.