The twin probes just launched toward Mars have an Easter egg on board

NASA has embarked on an unprecedented journey to Mars with its ESCAPADE mission, consisting of twin probes named "Blue" and "Gold." Launched aboard a New Glenn rocket, these identical satellites are set for a 22-month voyage to the Red Planet. Their mission? To investigate the effects of space weather on Mars' hybrid magnetosphere and uncover the reasons behind the planet's atmospheric loss. Hailing from the Space Sciences Laboratory at the University of California, Berkeley, this mission marks a significant milestone as it is the first multi-spacecraft endeavor aimed at studying Mars. What makes this mission even more intriguing is the inclusion of a clever tribute to New Zealand. Rocket Lab, the innovative space company responsible for designing, building, and testing the probes, has embedded images of the country's iconic kiwi birds on the spacecraft. Lindsay McLaurin, Rocket Lab's senior communications manager for space systems, shared that the company has a tradition of incorporating kiwis into its designs. These whimsical touches reflect Rocket Lab's New Zealand origins and serve as a playful challenge among its engineers. The kiwis are depicted on plaques attached to the solar panels of both probes, alongside the Rocket Lab logo and the company's motto, "Non Sufficit Hic Orbis" (This World Is Not Enough), along with an emblem of a bald eagle. As the ESCAPADE mission unfolds, it promises to enhance our understanding of Mars while celebrating the spirit of exploration and international collaboration.