August 4, 2017 4:46 PM<\/p>\n
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CAPE CANAVERAL (CBSMiami) The Kennedy Space Centers Mars rover is wrapping up its U.S. tour. The concept vehicle shows what a manned Mars rover might look like. <\/p>\n
Carter and Marshall Demars got their first taste of the future of space travel meeting former astronaut Mike Massimino and getting up close to a prototype of NASAs newest Mars rover. <\/p>\n
The size of the rover is just humongous. I thought it would be one of those puny rovers, but its just so big, said Marshall. <\/p>\n
The nearly three-ton monster mobile looks like its made for Hollywood, but its meant for the Red Planet. <\/p>\n
(Source: CBS Newspath) <\/p>\n
NASA engineers did, in fact, team up with movie props designers to create the 11-feet high, 24-feet long vehicle. <\/p>\n
Since it wont ever really travel to the Mars, the mission here is earthbound. <\/p>\n
I think the major purpose of it is probably to create excitement, get ideas going, get people excited about going, said Massimino. <\/p>\n
With six massive wheels, it can only travel up to 6 mph. <\/p>\n
The rover has four seats in the front and drives like an SUV. Theres detachable lab where astronauts can do experiments. <\/p>\n
Massimino says the challenge in sending people to mars is the cost. <\/p>\n
The Kennedy Space Center funded this rover, but it doesnt have the expensive life support needed to make a months-long trip possible. <\/p>\n
To ensure a safe journey and a safe return of people is really expensive and thats going to take a budget, a commitment from government that is very significant, said Massimino. <\/p>\n
Marshall says hes game to be the first man on Mars. <\/p>\n
Ive always been the guy that wants to discover things, so I would go for sure, he said. <\/p>\n
And hes just the right age. NASA hopes to send a man or woman to mars around the year 2030. <\/p>\n
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Mars Rover Wrapping Up US Tour To Showcase Future Of Space Travel - CBS Miami<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" August 4, 2017 4:46 PM Follow CBSMIAMI.COM:Facebook|Twitter CAPE CANAVERAL (CBSMiami) The Kennedy Space Centers Mars rover is wrapping up its U.S. Continue reading