Dundee, Scotland (July 30, 2020) — W. L. Gore & Associates (Gore) today announced the company’s involvement in the Mars 2020 Mission scheduled for launch on July 30 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This U.S. mission addresses high-priority scientific goals for exploration to help answer the questions of potential life on Mars.
Gore’s wire & cable products are critical components to the success of data processing and communications between the Perseverance Rover and the descent stage of the mission. They assist with the precise landing operation to the Martian surface until the Sky Crane enabling this operation departs. The intense entry, descent and landing (EDL) phase begins when the spacecraft reaches the top of the Martian atmosphere, travelling at about 12,100 mph (19,500 kph). EDL ends about seven minutes later with the rover stationary on the Martian surface. The EDL will be very similar to the illustration shown for Curiosity rover in 2012 which also featured Gore’s wire & cable products. Gore’s reliable products were selected for the mission because of their durable constructions that have been proven and trusted over time to withstand the harshest environments encountered in space. The same cables are also used on the actual rover, which is about the size of a car, but at 2,260 pounds (1,025 kilograms) it weighs significantly less. The mission addresses high-priority science goals for Mars exploration and is expected to be at least one Mars year (about 687 Earth days).
“For decades, Gore has provided reliable solutions in hundreds of global spaceflight programs with a 100% failure-free flight record,” said Jeff Fyfe, Gore’s space global business leader. “We work closely with NASA and ESA to meet the most demanding mission specifications.” The company manufactures its space-related products in an ESA-qualified and ISO 9001:2000-certified facility. GORE® Space Cables have been used in many missions over the decades — including the iconic Apollo 11 mission to the moon as well as the International Space Station, Envisat, Space Shuttle Program, Sentinel, Hubble Space Telescope and more.
W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Since 1958, Gore has solved complex technical challenges in demanding environments — from outer space to the world’s highest peaks to the inner workings of the human body. With more than 10,500 Associates and a strong, team-oriented culture, Gore generates annual revenues of $3.7 billion.
Adam Konowe
TMP Worldwide
Tel +1 703 269 0158
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Gail Smith-Berry
W. L. Gore & Associates
Tel +44 7920 135117
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View original release here: https://www.gore.com/news-events/press-release/mars-2020-mission-communications