NASA allows kids to help rename its Mars Science Laboratory

by Stevie Smith - Jan 21 2009, 09:52

In a move that could promote a more youthful interest in science and the exploration of the solar system, NASA has said it is running a competition that will allow one lucky child to official rename its new Mars Science Laboratory (MSL).

The competition, which is being run in partnership with Disney-Pixar’s 3D animated movie Wall-E, will see NASA dropping the functional title of ‘Mars Science Laboratory’ in favour of something more imaginative that still exudes the ambition and potential of NASA’s latest surface rover.

“Entrants should submit essays explaining why their suggested name for the rover is the right fit,” explained NASA in its official release. “In March, the public will have an opportunity to rank nine finalist names via the Internet as additional input for judges to consider. In April, NASA will announce the winning name.”

Roughly the size of a sports utility vehicle and packed with cutting-edge sample collection equipment and analysis technology, the Mars Science Laboratory – as it is currently known – is scheduled to launch towards the Red Planet in the latter half of 2011.

The recent discovery of methane emissions emanating from Mars has pointed to the possible existence of microbial life on the planet’s surface, which has already magnified public exposure for the U.S. space administration’s ongoing exploration missions – and the naming competition will surely build on that.

According to NASA, those looking to put forth their suggestions for the renaming should be students aged 5 to 18 and enrolled in a U.S. school. Entries for the competition must be submitted by midnight of January 25.

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