Udall Congratulates CU-Boulder on Passing Critical Milestone in Mars Mission
Mark Udall congratulated the University of Colorado today on receiving NASA’s approval to proceed to the next phase of a mission to Mars exploring the role the planet’s loss of atmospheric gas played in changing the Martian climate through time. The Mars Atmosphere And Volatile EvolutioN (MAVEN) mission is led by scientists at the University of Colorado at Boulder's Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics. The university will provide science operations, build instruments, and lead Education/Public Outreach. Lockheed Martin, located in Littleton, will build the spacecraft and perform mission operations. United Launch Alliance of Denver will provide the launch vehicle.
“The MAVEN mission exemplifies why the Colorado aerospace sector is on the forefront of space exploration and moving our country forward,” Udall said. “The federal government, university and private sector are working together to advance our understanding of the solar system, support good jobs here in Colorado and train the next generation of scientists and engineers.”
Udall has been a vocal advocate for Colorado’s role in space exploration, including lauding Ball Aerospace & Technologies Corp. of Boulder’s work with NASA and Sierra Nevada Space Systems of Louisville’s recent receipt of $212.5 million in competitive grant funds from NASA. Udall also recently lauded the roles Colorado companies have played in the launch and mission of the Mars Curiosity Rover.