Exploration | Mars NASA Solar System Exploration

Introduction

No planet beyond Earth has been studied as intensely as Mars. Recorded observations of Mars date as far back as the era of ancient Egypt over 4,000 years ago, when they charted the planet's movements in the sky. Today, NASA has a fleet of robotic spacecraft study Mars from all angles.

Troy Hudson

Instrument System Engineer

Don't forget to try out experiments for yourself, take things apart and see how they work, and ask critical questions.

Tricia Talbert

Senior Multimedia Designer

"I've always gazed up at the stars and wondered what else is out in our solar system and beyond."

Tracy Drain

Flight Systems Engineer

"The important thing about being a scientist or an engineer is learning how to think critically learning how to learn."

Thomas I. Valdez

Senior Member Engineering Staff

"Enjoy every opportunity you have to learn and make it a point to be involved in the most challenging projects."

Tanya Harrison

Planetary Scientist

I've been interested in space science for almost as long as I can remember. I grew up watching the various "Star Trek" series ("Next Gen" started when I was two-years old), and the idea of studying stars and planets grew from there.

Susan Niebur (1973-2012)

Astrophysicist

I decided that my dream was to work for NASA, even if there weren't any girls there yet. Someday there would be, and I was going to be one.

Steven Vance

Planetary Scientist

"In our line of work, Earth is another planet, the one we know best."

Steven Lee

Deputy Project Manager

"Find out what you're passionate about and follow it. If you're not sure, explore as many experiences as you can to find what inspires your passion and sense of wonder."

Steve Squyres

Professor of Physical Sciences

"There is no substitute for persistence. You must get all the training you need, and you must do well at it... that's a given."

Shonte Tucker

Deputy Section Manager for Spacecraft Mechanical Engineering

"By fifth grade, my first long-term goal was set I was on a mission to become a mechanical engineer and work at JPL."

Sarah Milkovich

Planetary Geologist and Science Systems Engineer

"Be curious about everything -- take every opportunity that presents itself to learn new things."

Robert Mitchell

Retired Program Manager

"The Ranger missions looked a lot more exciting to me than what I was doing at the time, and so I sent my resume off to JPL. I've been here ever since."

Robert A. Mase

Project Manager

For Robert Mase, new Dawn Project Manager, the challenge of managing the many facets of a spacecraft whose trajectory is constantly changing is similarly exciting.

Richard Elphic

Project Scientist

"A project scientist works out how to make everyone, if not exactly happy, at least agreeable to a solution."

Rachel Klima

Scientist

Don't be afraid to push yourself and learn new skills, yet don't be afraid to ask for help and collaborate.

Philip Y Twu

Robotics System Engineer

"Flight missions are particularly exciting to me because I feel like I am on the front lines of exploration."

Phil Christensen

Scientist

Just be committed, be passionate about it, and you will find a way to be involved in space exploration.

Peter Xaypraseuth

Mission Planner - Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Project

"I am part of the Mission and Navigation Design team for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) Project"

Paul Mahaffy

Planetary Scientist

"Many different technical and scientific skills are needed to plan and implement the planetary missions we work on."

Paolo Bellutta

Rover Driver

"Never stop learning -- this will leave your mind open and inquisitive. Curiosity is your best ally."

Nagin Cox

Systems Engineer

Nagin Cox grew up hearing that girls were worthlessso she set her sights on NASA and never looked back.

Nadine Barlow (1958-2020)

Professor of Physics and Astronomy

"Take advantage of any opportunities presented to you you never know how that bit of experience will help you in the future."

Mike Malin

Chief Scientist

"I've been paid to take pictures of Mars every day...I've watched rockets take off, and seen things I've built fly to other planets. How much more fun does one need?"

Michael Lashore

Mechatronics Engineer

"Remember that there are often many paths to get to where you want to go. The trick is finding one that is suitable for you. Let your curiosities and interests in STEM be the battery that powers you."

Mehdi Benna

Planetary Scientist

"I would advise following the three "Ps:" Be Passionate. Be Patient. Be Perseverant!"

Megan Elwood Madden

Professor of Geochemistry

Science, math and engineering can be hard sometimes, so it's really important to find the fun stuff that makes you excited to learn more. The bonus is that science, math and engineering are part of almost everything, so it's usually pretty easy to apply them to the things you love to do."

Matthew "Matt" W. Smith

Systems Engineer on Mars 2020 Mission

Stay curious about the way things work in the world. Educate yourself. Be tenacious in your curiosity.

Mamta Patel Nagaraja

Deputy Program Scientist for Space Biology in NASAs Division of Biological and Physical Sciences

"I am currently the deputy program scientist for space biology in NASAs Biological and Physical Sciences group."

Lynn Rothschild

Astrobiologist

Scientific curiosity should be like an itchyou can't sleep at night until you find the right answer.

Leslie Bebout

Microbial Ecologist

"Always try different things, and be open to an evolution of your interests."

Kim Orr

Web Producer

"So much of what I do is made possible by my curiosity and my passion for learning."

Keri Bean

Science Planner

"I couldn't believe that I was involved in space missions so early on in college."

Karly Pitman

See original here:

Exploration | Mars NASA Solar System Exploration