NASA is looking for a little help naming their next Mars rover.
A “Name the Rover” essay contest has already established nine names that are in the running. More than 28,000 essays were submitted by students across the United States to come up with the finalists.
The public can now go to NASA’s website to cast a vote.
The nine students, including one from Pennsylvania, are listed with their proposed rover name and grade level.
Endurance, K-4, Oliver Jacobs of Virginia
Tenacity, K-4, Eamon Reilly of Pennsylvania
Promise, K-4, Amira Shanshiry of Massachusetts
Perseverance, 5-8, Alexander Mather of Virginia
Vision, 5-8, Hadley Green of Mississippi
Clarity, 5-8, Nora Benitez of California
Ingenuity, 9-12, Vaneeza Rupani of Alabama
Fortitude, 9-12, Anthony Yoon of Oklahoma
Courage, 9-12, Tori Gray of Louisiana
“Thousands of students have shared their ideas for a name that will do our rover and the team proud,” said Lori Glaze, director of NASA’s Planetary Science Division in Washington. “Thousands more volunteered time to be part of the judging process. Now it is the public’s opportunity to become involved and express their excitement for their favorites of the final nine.”
As of Wednesday, Pennsylvania had cast the third most votes with about 6,500, behind California and Texas.
The poll opened online Wednesday and will remain open through Jan. 27 until midnight.
