Now boarding: Over 5,000 M'sian names on their way to Mars and beyond, Latest Others News - The New Paper
News

Now boarding: Over 5,000 M'sian names on their way to Mars and beyond

This article is more than 12 months old

Want a trip that's out of this world?

Over 5,000 Malaysians will get the chance to make this happen, literally. Their names will have a seat on the next National Aeronautics and Space Administration (Nasa) mission to Mars.

They have submitted their names to be included on the Orion flight test on Dec 4.

The names will be etched on a microchip to be sent on Nasa destinations.

"Your name will begin its journey on a dime-sized microchip when the agency's Orion spacecraft launches Dec 4 on its first flight, designated Exploration Flight Test-1," said Nasa in a media release.

After two orbits around Earth to test Orion's systems, the spacecraft will travel back and splash down in the Pacific Ocean.

Chalking up more space miles

Wait, there's more.

After returning to Earth, the names will also fly on future Nasa exploration flights and missions to Mars.

"Nasa is pushing the boundaries of exploration and working hard to send people to Mars in the future," said Orion program manager Mark Geyer.

"When we set foot on the Red Planet, we'll be exploring for all of humanity. Flying these names will enable people to be part of our journey."

The deadline for receiving a personal "boarding pass" on Orion's test flight closes Oct 31.

Sources: Star Online, YouTube

Uncategorisedmalaysianamesorbit