A scale model of the Mars Ascent Vehicle is tested for in the trisonic wind tunnel at Marshall. The tunnel’s test sections are only 14 inches in height and width but can achieve wind speeds of up to Mach 5.

The Mars Ascent Vehicle team recently completed testing at NASA facility that has been a critical part of missions going all the way back to the Apollo program. The same facility is now helping the agency prepare to launch the first rocket from Mars.

The MAV is an important part of the joint plan between NASA and ESA (European Space Agency) to bring scientifically selected Martian samples to Earth in the early 2030s.

Credit: NASA

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