When the Mars 2020 mission touched down on the red planet Feb. 18, one UD researcher watched with special interest.
“Even though I have watched numerous launches and landings, there is nothing that really prepares you for the emotional experience when it occurs,” said Chad Barklay ’04, distinguished research scientist with UD Research Institute. “It’s amazing to feel part of something so much bigger than yourself, and it’s a profound experience to realize that you and your colleagues contributed to the success of the mission.”
“It’s amazing to feel part of something so much bigger than yourself, and it’s a profound experience to realize that you and your colleagues contributed to the success of the mission.”
Barklay and his team have performed numerous tests on an electric-powered prototype of the multi-mission radioisotope thermoelectric generator that powers the Mars rovers. The tests have given Barklay an appreciation for the resiliency of the generator, which he likens to “a nuclear Energizer Bunny.”
Barklay recently published a conference paper on testing the generator in a simulated lunar environment, and the team is performing work on the next-generation generator for future space missions.