With very special thanks to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, I encourage everyone to check out their "News and Features" section for a very moving story about those lost in the World Trade Center on September 11th, 2001.
"It's gratifying knowing that a piece of the World Trade Center is there on Mars. That, to me, contrasts the destructive nature of the attackers with the ingenuity and hopeful attitude of Americans," said Stephen Gorevan, Honeybee founder & chairman, and a member of the Mars rover science team.Click on the 9/11 Tribute text links or the photo to read the story of how Manhattan's Honeybee Robotics and JPL engineers collaborated to honor those who perished when the buildings fell.
The Jet Propulsion Laboratory built NASA's Mars Exploration Rovers Spirit and Opportunity, and Honeybee designed many of their on-board scientific instruments. The Mayor’s Office of New York City donated small pieces of aluminum debris from both Tower 1 and Tower 2 of the World Trade Center. These were made into cable shields on two rock tools, each of which bear images of American flags.
The Spirit and "Oppy" Rovers were launched in 2003 and landed on Mars in 2004. It is estimated these Mars Rover Memorials of September 11th victims could last in the Mars environment for millions of years!
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