The chance to see the future of robotics and planetary exploration first-hand drew crowds from all walks of life to Waikato’s Tauranga and Hamilton campuses.
On display was a 3D replica of the Mars Exploration Rover named Opportunity, which is considered to have completed one of NASA’s most successful and enduring interplanetary missions by a Mars rover. Opportunity exceeded expectations by operating for almost 15 years exploring the hostile environment of Mars, setting several records and making key discoveries.
The exhibits of Opportunity at the University’s campuses were part of a national roadshow hosted by NASA intended to encourage student interest in space careers. However, the opportunity to see a replica of cutting-edge robotics technology first-hand proved to be a drawcard for community members from all generations.
Over 250 members of the Tauranga community came to see Opportunity up close, followed the next day with approximately 100 visitors in Hamilton.
Tauranga homeschool student Scott, 15, said it “isn’t an opportunity many people get to have”.
“It is so cool to see the technology and solar panels. I’d heard of Opportunity before when I was doing a project on NASA – it kept coming up in my research because of how successful the mission was. Seeing it in real life is amazing,” Scott said.
Members of the business community were equally as intrigued to see Oppy in person, with one visitor casually saying it was “a great excuse to get out of work” while proudly sporting a NASA t-shirt.
Following the exhibit, a documentary on the rover titled Good Night Oppy was screened to 160 viewers in Tauranga.
Accompanying Oppy was Cultural Affairs Co-ordinator at the US Embassy to New Zealand Anaru Adams, who said visitors had been excited and intrigued to have a piece of space exploration right here in New Zealand.
“This is a celebration of 150 years of scientific collaboration between New Zealand and the United States,” he said.
After her visit to Hamilton, Oppy is heading back to Auckland and awaiting her next adventure.