Mars Exploration Rover Mission: Technology


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In-situ Exploration and Sample Return: Planetary Protection Technologies

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In a huge cleanroom at Kennedy Space Center, engineers wearing nearly all white 'bunny suits,' or protective gear, work on the Opportunity spacecraft which is inside its aeroshell. Engineers are completely covered, except for their eyes, to keep contaminants off of the spacecraft.

Engineers work on Opportunity (in its cruise configuration) in a cleanroom at Kennedy Space Center. A very important part of planetary protection is keeping contaminants from humans from riding aboard spacecraft. The pictured engineers are donning "bunny suits" that only allow their eyes to be exposed.