NASA Mars Exploration Rover Replica "Opportunity" on display at our Hamilton Campus

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  • Friday 18 Oct 2024
  • From 1 pm
  • Te Kōpūroa in the Pā, University of Waikato Hamilton Campus
  • Free

The University of Waikato is excited to host a replica of NASA's iconic Mars Exploration Rover "Opportunity" on its Hamilton campus. The replica will be on display in Te Kōpūroa in the Pā and is open to the public, free of charge from 1pm on Friday 18th October.

This replica is based off the Mars Exploration Rover named Opportunity that was sent to Mars in January 2004 – originally expected to live for only 90 days on the barren planet, she ultimately explored Mars for nearly 15 years.

This project is part of an initiative to inspire and engage students in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) fields, focusing on hands-on learning experiences related to engineering, space exploration, and robotics technologies. The replica was designed using a 3D model of the Opportunity Rover, fabricated using rapid prototyping techniques and accessible materials to closely resemble the original rover that explored the surface of Mars. Staff, students and visitors will be able to experience a tangible representation of space exploration technology and gain insight into the future of robotics and planetary exploration.

The replica rover is currently touring New Zealand and will also be on show at:

University of Waikato Tauranga Campus:  Thursday 17 October from 12:30 pm

Te Rapa the Base: Monday 14 October from 12noon onward 

Hamilton City Library: Tuesday 15 October from 12noon onward

Photo credit:  NASA