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Unmanned Spaceflight.com _ MSL _ A name for MSL

Posted by: Ipparchus Jun 14 2008, 08:27 AM

wheel.gif I think MSL should be given a better name! Like what it was done with the MER rovers(Spirit-Opportunity). We could propose some! I propose the names "Eureka!" and "Innovation". What about you? We could then(after some months maybe) vote for the best of them!

Posted by: As old as Voyager Jun 14 2008, 08:44 AM

How about 'Leviathan' due to MSL's monsterous stature and menacing profile?

Posted by: peter59 Jun 14 2008, 09:15 AM

I propose name "INVINCIBLE". Name is based upon SF novel "The Invincible" by Stanislaw Lem (1967). One of the best SF novels you've probably never heard of.

Posted by: ngunn Jun 14 2008, 10:05 AM

Great book. Not sure the name is very auspicious, taken from that source though.

Posted by: dmuller Jun 14 2008, 10:27 AM

MUV ... the Martian version of the Earth's SUVs, but environmentally friendly with no CO2 emissions (just dont mention the nuclear reactor on board) rolleyes.gif

Posted by: djellison Jun 14 2008, 11:53 AM

'MSL' will do probably.

But with a laser beam and nuclear power...the only name you're going to call it is 'sir'

Doug

Posted by: nprev Jun 14 2008, 03:55 PM

Okay...Mister MSL. I'd like to see an entire high school football team even try to call him a nerd...it'd get ugly, quickly! tongue.gif

On a slightly less serious note, how about the Sagan Memorial "Martian Overall Natural Science Traversable Exploration Rover"?

Posted by: centsworth_II Jun 14 2008, 04:25 PM

I still like "Ms. L". We just have to figure out what the "L" stands for. Lulu?

Posted by: nprev Jun 14 2008, 04:30 PM

Uh...."Large?" rolleyes.gif

I dunno. Anthropomorphizing is utterly subjective, but to me MSL looks like it's got a definite masculine vibe going on. I wouldn't pick a fight with it!

Posted by: dvandorn Jun 14 2008, 04:32 PM

I can hear the commercials now....

"SUNDAY! SUNDAY! SUNDAY! Come see the Monster Martian Rover, laying WASTE to Mawrth Valley! SUNDAY! Watch while it blasts rocks to bits with its bitchin' LASER BEAM! SUNDAY!"

laugh.gif

-the other Doug

Posted by: nprev Jun 14 2008, 04:38 PM

Yep. As I said a few months ago, I've already cut the sleeves off of my spacesuit, and the dual-beer helmet-mounted delivery system has passed CDR...

Posted by: dvandorn Jun 14 2008, 04:50 PM

In all seriousness (well, at least partial seriousness), I'd love to see the MSL team have the guts that the MER team lacked, and go ahead with the most obvious and appropriate name possible for MSL:

Marvin.

Of course, when MSL radios back a request for a PU238 explosive modulator, I'm not quite sure what we're going to do... except to duck, cover and wait for the Earth-shattering kaboom... huh.gif

-the other Doug

Posted by: centsworth_II Jun 14 2008, 05:19 PM

QUOTE (nprev @ Jun 14 2008, 11:30 AM) *
...to me MSL looks like it's got a definite masculine vibe going on. I wouldn't pick a fight with it!

You gonna mess with this?

Posted by: ngunn Jun 14 2008, 10:52 PM

QUOTE (dvandorn @ Jun 14 2008, 05:50 PM) *
Marvin.


Douglas Adams took his literary cue from Stanislaw Lem. He'd probably have voted for 'Invincible' but crossed his fingers under the table.

Posted by: PFK Jun 15 2008, 12:10 AM

QUOTE (nprev @ Jun 14 2008, 05:30 PM) *
I dunno. Anthropomorphizing is utterly subjective, but to me MSL looks like it's got a definite masculine vibe going on.


MArtian CHemIStry MObile Laboratory huh.gif

Posted by: helvick Jun 15 2008, 06:19 AM

I second Doug's call for the MSL team to have the conviction to celebrate an inspirational Martian. I'm assuming he was referring http://www.spaceref.com/news/viewpr.html?pid=11681 to call MER-A, Marvin and MER-B, Daffy.



The fact that there is yet another legendary Marvin in Adam's Hitchhiker's Guide is a serious plus in my book.

Posted by: centsworth_II Jun 15 2008, 06:37 AM

MARVIN the MARs maVIN.

Posted by: jabe Jun 16 2008, 01:37 PM

QUOTE (centsworth_II @ Jun 15 2008, 07:37 AM) *
MARVIN the MARs maVIN.

along same lines..just spelled differently

MARVAN.. MARs miniVAN

Posted by: Pavel Jun 16 2008, 02:58 PM

I don't think geeky names like "Marvin" have a good chance. Just remember missions that have flown so far. Many missions are names after historic ships. I think MSL could be "Mayflower".

Posted by: charborob Jun 16 2008, 03:17 PM

If you try to pronounce MSL, you get "Muscle", which seems to me an appropriate name for the beast.

Posted by: centsworth_II Jun 16 2008, 03:26 PM

QUOTE (Pavel @ Jun 16 2008, 10:58 AM) *
Many missions are names after historic ships.

It must be historic. It's got it's own web site.

Posted by: mchan Jun 16 2008, 08:23 PM

QUOTE (charborob @ Jun 16 2008, 07:17 AM) *
If you try to pronounce MSL, you get "Muscle", which seems to me an appropriate name for the beast.

I tried it and got "Missile". ph34r.gif

Posted by: Ant103 Jul 15 2008, 11:31 PM

And what about name like "Hope"?

Posted by: vmcgregor Jul 16 2008, 02:39 AM

I predict a MSL naming contest is coming soon rolleyes.gif

Posted by: nprev Jul 16 2008, 02:45 AM

QUOTE (Ant103 @ Jul 15 2008, 04:31 PM) *
And what about name like "Hope"?


Yeah...as in "Sure hope the EDL system works!" tongue.gif (Sorry; couldn't resist!)

Posted by: centsworth_II Jul 16 2008, 05:32 AM

QUOTE (Ant103 @ Jul 15 2008, 06:31 PM) *
And what about name like "Hope"?

I guess this wouldn't be a favorite of the "Spirit" and "Opportunity" haters (the names, not the craft). I personally liked those names, even before the bearers of them performed such feats as to make any name they carry one for the ages. But Hope is too smarmy even for me. Let's save it for a killer-asteroid deflection mission when it really counts!

Posted by: dvandorn Jul 16 2008, 06:58 AM

I dunno -- I'm overwhelmed with an image of our intrepid rover cresting a hill with a golf club clutched in a manipulator claw, saying, "Hi, Mars 'Science Lab' Hope here. I thought I was here to do a USO show -- where are you hiding Jerry Cologna?"

rolleyes.gif

-the other Doug

"Oh, we're off on the road to Pavonis! A chasm like none that we've seen..."

Posted by: climber Jul 16 2008, 11:24 AM

QUOTE (vmcgregor @ Jul 16 2008, 04:39 AM) *
I predict a MSL naming contest is coming soon rolleyes.gif

Coming from you, it is surely NOT to be called a prediction!
Thank you for the info wink.gif

Posted by: Phil Stooke Jul 16 2008, 05:16 PM

I'm thinking 'Canyonero'

Phil

Posted by: centsworth_II Jul 16 2008, 08:13 PM

QUOTE (Phil Stooke @ Jul 16 2008, 01:16 PM) *
I'm thinking 'Canyonero'

Let's hope the MSL -- I mean Canyonero -- is still fully loaded when it gets to Mars.
http://x11.xanga.com/e5ca82075713768858955/q46256229.bmp

Posted by: Stu Jul 16 2008, 08:19 PM

My ideal name would be "Lewis and Clark" but I'm sure many people would get confused, thinking there were two rovers and wondering if MSL was "Lewis" or "Clark". rolleyes.gif

My other choices would be "Prospector", "Seeker" and my current fave, "Pilgrim".

Posted by: nprev Jul 16 2008, 10:13 PM

Sounding like a broken record, I know, but still gotta go with "Sagan". The tribute aspect is obvious, but would also like to turn modern kids on to his body of work. Most of his books still hold up, and most importantly still inspire imagination.

Posted by: djellison Jul 16 2008, 10:15 PM

Technically, I think Carl has been honored in that way already with the renaming of the Pathfinder Lander to the Sagan Memorial Station.

Posted by: nprev Jul 16 2008, 10:26 PM

Yeah, I thought of that, but unfortunately Pathfinder has been right off the radar screen of the general public for more than a decade now. Kind of wish they'd waited for one of the MERs or MSL, but of course 1) Carl had just recently passed, and 2) who even knew then that the MERs or MSL would ever fly?

Well, failing that, how about Lowell or Schiaparelli? It seems to quite possibly be heading for a "canal", of sorts...

Posted by: Vultur Nov 11 2008, 06:37 AM

Burroughs? Wells?

Posted by: djellison Nov 11 2008, 08:21 AM

Richard Cook mentioned a naming contest in his Von Karman lecture (see the JPL website). It'll happen, just not yet.

Posted by: mps Nov 19 2008, 08:33 AM

MSL naming contest announced:
http://marsrovername.jpl.nasa.gov/

Posted by: ilbasso Nov 19 2008, 02:23 PM

For my money, it needs to be something like Intimidator, Nuclear Invader from Earth, or something like that.

Or, "Please God, just this once, let me get a sample into my lab for analysis"

Posted by: mcaplinger Nov 19 2008, 03:14 PM

The contest is only open to US students in grades K-12, so all of you adults and/or foreign nationals can keep your ideas to yourselves. rolleyes.gif

The contest is being run by Disney, so a dignified and appropriate name is practically guaranteed. unsure.gif

Unfortunately my reading of the rules is that none of my immediate family members are eligible.

Posted by: dvandorn Nov 19 2008, 04:12 PM

QUOTE (mcaplinger @ Nov 19 2008, 09:14 AM) *
The contest is being run by Disney, so a dignified and appropriate name is practically guaranteed. unsure.gif

Oh, gods and goddesses -- I can hear the news commentators now:

"The new Mars Rover, Goofy, landed on Mars today..."

unsure.gif

-the other Doug

Posted by: climber Nov 19 2008, 04:23 PM

QUOTE (dvandorn @ Nov 19 2008, 05:12 PM) *
"The new Mars Rover, Goofy, landed on Mars today..."
-the other Doug

As a matter of fact, Mickey Mouse turned 80 yesterday nov 18th! Let's hope MSL will last that many months...

Posted by: ElkGroveDan Nov 19 2008, 05:03 PM

QUOTE (nprev @ Jul 16 2008, 04:13 PM) *
Sounding like a broken record, I know, but still gotta go with "Sagan".


If it was an inter-galactic rover exploring billions and billions of worlds I'd agree, but since it's going to Mars I have to favor Bradbury.

Posted by: djellison Nov 19 2008, 05:20 PM

Nuclear power and a laser beam?

"Sir"

or

"Whatever it wants to be called"

Doug

Posted by: ugordan Nov 19 2008, 05:22 PM

I, for one, welcome our new laser-wielding overlord.

Posted by: PhilCo126 Nov 19 2008, 05:59 PM

Judging its camera = Gort ( robot from The day the Earth stood still ) laugh.gif


Posted by: Gonzz Nov 19 2008, 06:01 PM

Chuck Norris laugh.gif

Posted by: mcaplinger Nov 19 2008, 06:25 PM

QUOTE (ElkGroveDan @ Nov 19 2008, 09:03 AM) *
...since it's going to Mars I have to favor Bradbury.

Since it seems inevitable that we are going to have to listen to everyone's opinion about what the name should be, you might make an effort to at least conform to the rules:

"If your idea is the name of a person, the person cannot still be living."

Posted by: dvandorn Nov 19 2008, 06:36 PM

QUOTE (djellison @ Nov 19 2008, 11:20 AM) *
Nuclear power and a laser beam?

"Sir"

or

"Whatever it wants to be called"

Well -- that certainly settles the question of the landing site, doesn't it? Where does such a beast land? Wherever it wants to!

rolleyes.gif

-the other Doug

Posted by: climber Nov 19 2008, 06:54 PM

QUOTE (mcaplinger @ Nov 19 2008, 07:25 PM) *
Since it seems inevitable that we are going to have to listen to everyone's opinion about what the name should be, you might make an effort to at least conform to the rules:
"If your idea is the name of a person, the person cannot still be living."

Well, Bradbury would not qualify but if I understand what Doug is saying, "Ray" would biggrin.gif

Posted by: ElkGroveDan Nov 19 2008, 07:02 PM

QUOTE (mcaplinger @ Nov 19 2008, 12:25 PM) *
Since it seems inevitable that we are going to have to listen to everyone's opinion about what the name should be


Ouch. Would you rather sit out on the porch grandpa until dinner's ready while we have this chat?

Posted by: mcaplinger Nov 19 2008, 07:18 PM

QUOTE (ElkGroveDan @ Nov 19 2008, 11:02 AM) *
Would you rather sit out on the porch grandpa until dinner's ready while we have this chat?

Gee, sorry, I guess you are eligible for this contest.

Posted by: djellison Nov 19 2008, 07:24 PM

Now now children

Posted by: Enceladus75 Nov 19 2008, 07:53 PM

Some Suggestions:

Powell
AresLab
Barsoom
Mars Mobilab
Schiparelli
Labrover 1

Posted by: ilbasso Nov 19 2008, 07:58 PM

Elvis. Just to hear the NASA Public Affairs person say at launch, "Elvis has left the building."

Posted by: Enceladus75 Nov 19 2008, 08:00 PM

Hmmmm...given the power of the MSL

What about "Predator"?

Posted by: jekbradbury Nov 19 2008, 09:38 PM

QUOTE (ElkGroveDan @ Nov 19 2008, 01:03 PM) *
If it was an inter-galactic rover exploring billions and billions of worlds I'd agree, but since it's going to Mars I have to favor Bradbury.


What a great idea...

- James Bradbury (no relation)

Posted by: imipak Nov 19 2008, 10:58 PM

QUOTE (Stu @ Jul 16 2008, 09:19 PM) *
My ideal name would be "Lewis and Clark" but... [...]
My other choices would be "Prospector", "Seeker" and my current fave, "Pilgrim".


Prospector's been used; "Seeker"? seems a little... banal? And "pilgrim" has unfortunate religious connotations I suspect. ("Predator" definitely has overly-controversial associations IMO. Oh dear, looks like Doctor Negativity is paying a house call... sorry laugh.gif )

"Lewis and Clark" works for me, but apart from the objection Stu mentioned - a couple of old friends who worked on the post-production SFX for "Event Horizon" might jump to the wrong conclusion. (Random coincidence: they shared a flat with a guy who did a lot of the CGI for that BBC "The Planets" series.)

Having finally got around to reading some of his books, "Feynman" appeals to me; but his field was at the other end of the magnitudes scale. There's an asteroid, "7495 Feynman", but no surface features or spacecraft, AFAIK?

Posted by: nprev Nov 20 2008, 02:33 AM

It's my ONLY hope at immortality: Nuclear-Powered Roving Exploration Vehicle... tongue.gif


Just to throw in a long-shot, how about "Heinlein"? Red Planet surely inspired a lot of kids & teens in the 50s ("Willis" has a nice ring too, but it'd never fly...would have been more appropriate for the bouncy MERs or PF.)

Posted by: CosmicRocker Nov 20 2008, 06:11 AM

QUOTE (mcaplinger @ Nov 19 2008, 09:14 AM) *
... The contest is being run by Disney, so a dignified and appropriate name is practically guaranteed. unsure.gif

OMG! I can only hope it will be something like Goofy, rather than My Little Mermaid. If I had to choose from among the suggestions posted here that are ineligible for the contest, I'd vote for Gort or NPREV. wink.gif

Posted by: MahFL Nov 20 2008, 02:18 PM

What about the female explorer.... Alexandrine Tinne (1835-1869)

""But none rises higher in my estimation than the Dutch lady, Miss Tinne, who after the severest domestic afflictions, nobly persevered in the teeth of every difficulty." - Dr. Livingstone, explorer and missionary."


Posted by: Gonzz Nov 20 2008, 03:04 PM

Since it's powered by a RTG, why not use the name Curie


Posted by: djellison Nov 20 2008, 04:15 PM

Marie Curie is already the name of a Rover. Sadly, it's the Sojourner spare that was taken off the '01 lander design for PHX.

Doug

Posted by: peter59 Nov 20 2008, 04:32 PM

QUOTE (Enceladus75 @ Nov 19 2008, 09:00 PM) *
Hmmmm...given the power of the MSL

My suggestion is "Goliath".

Posted by: ElkGroveDan Nov 20 2008, 04:45 PM

I've been saying those wheels are the size of small beer kegs. Maybe they should name it after http://www.pub-sing.com/lyrics_beer.php.

(...and as far as I can tell he's not a living person Mike)

Posted by: dvandorn Nov 20 2008, 05:00 PM

Along the beer keg line, we could use the following ditty as a mission theme:

"Ninety-nine samples of rock on the ground,
Ninety-nine samples of rock!
Shoot one down,
Sniff all around,
Ninety-eight samples of rock on the ground..."

laugh.gif

-the other Doug

Posted by: PFK Nov 20 2008, 06:37 PM

QUOTE (Enceladus75 @ Nov 19 2008, 08:53 PM) *
AresLab

I missread that badly at first glance! laugh.gif
Aelita would get my vote
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aelita

Posted by: PhilCo126 Nov 20 2008, 07:01 PM

BIS Spaceflight magazine has time sequence photos of the MSL wheels drop test and names the vehicle "Scarecrow"

Posted by: djellison Nov 20 2008, 07:20 PM

Scarecrow is the name of that mobility test vehicle - as it has no brain (like the scarecrow in wizard of oz)

Posted by: SFJCody Nov 20 2008, 08:40 PM

QUOTE (Stu @ Jul 16 2008, 08:19 PM) *
My ideal name would be "Lewis and Clark"

The names "Lewis" and "Clark" were used for two ill-fated Earth observation missions.

Posted by: elakdawalla Nov 20 2008, 10:35 PM

Yeah, those were proposed by a huge percentage of the entrants in to the MER name the rover contest, and disqualified for that reason. Two names from the same exploration mission -- http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/inside/saca.html and http://www.pbs.org/lewisandclark/inside/york.html -- survived into the final round. I kind of like "Sacagawea". One can sort of see the RTG as her http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papoose...though I can say from experience that a papoose is more likely to steal energy than it is to provide it!

--Emily

Posted by: Phil Stooke Nov 21 2008, 12:04 AM

Tsk, Emily - didn't you tell us not to refer to that portion of her anatomy?

Phil

Posted by: elakdawalla Nov 21 2008, 12:10 AM

*sigh* it's really kind of hard to ignore!

Posted by: Doc Nov 21 2008, 03:43 AM

I think we have to try and reaquire some 9 year old imagination to get a good name 4 the rover. I do hope they chose a simple name, greek names are wearing me out! How about Strider (from lord of the rings); majestic, kingly, untiring, it fits!

Posted by: elakdawalla Nov 21 2008, 04:09 AM

Actually 9-year-olds can be quite serious. It's the 13- to 15-year-olds who come up with the silly stuff. Including my hands-down favorite pair of proposed names for the Mars Exploration Rovers: "Taco" and "Chalupa." Even better than the names themselves was the proposer's essay:

QUOTE
I think that the Rovers should be given these names for numerous reasons. For one thing, Taco and Chalupa are perhaps the coolest words ever. The other main reason is that Mexicans have never gone to space and would probably love to have the Rovers named after something they created. It would also make me very happy, because Taco is my favorite word, and I use it instead of "hello". Thank you for your time,
An obvious corollary to the essay's thesis is that "Chalupa" means "goodbye."

More silly stuff from the MER naming contest http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=580&view=findpost&p=53152.

--Emily

Posted by: nprev Nov 21 2008, 04:40 AM

laugh.gif ...yep, the brain chemistry definitely does change during adolescence, doesn't it?

Posted by: djellison Nov 21 2008, 09:28 AM

It doesn't change - it just goes AWOL for 5 years smile.gif

Posted by: nprev Nov 21 2008, 09:50 AM

It also tends to vaporize in middle age for males, but the usual effect is buying a sports car, not generating goofy names for Mars rovers...oh, wait... rolleyes.gif

Posted by: stewjack Nov 21 2008, 05:09 PM

I bet someone else already thought of this one "Rover 3.0" It will get the geek vote. laugh.gif

I really like Ramble-On Rover. It indicates rover continuity like Rover 3.0, and hints at greater distances provided by the power pak. It's a Rover that's always ON. rolleyes.gif

Not that I intend to submit either of them.

Jack

Posted by: vmcgregor Nov 21 2008, 05:16 PM

QUOTE (ilbasso @ Nov 19 2008, 11:58 AM) *
Elvis. Just to hear the NASA Public Affairs person say at launch, "Elvis has left the building."



LOL! laugh.gif That would make for an interesting personality on the twitter feed too!




Posted by: centsworth_II Nov 21 2008, 10:02 PM

Wall-E grew up and became Wall-TER. (Wheeled all-Terrain Exploratory Rover)


Original MSL image: http://hirise.lpl.arizona.edu/HiBlog/?p=131

Posted by: algorimancer Nov 27 2008, 04:02 PM

I rather like insect names, considering the RTG appearance. Dragonfly or (better) Firefly would be good, except for its being flightless. Perhaps a write-in campaign from the Josh Whedon fans would make a difference smile.gif

Posted by: centsworth_II Nov 27 2008, 04:37 PM

QUOTE (algorimancer @ Nov 27 2008, 11:02 AM) *
I rather like insect names, considering the RTG appearance....


http://images.google.com.au/images?source=ig&hl=en&q=devil%27s%20coach%20horse&lr=lang_en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi


Posted by: BrianL Nov 27 2008, 06:57 PM

QUOTE (algorimancer @ Nov 27 2008, 10:02 AM) *
I rather like insect names, considering the RTG appearance. Dragonfly or (better) Firefly would be good, except for its being flightless. Perhaps a write-in campaign from the Josh Whedon fans would make a difference smile.gif


I'm all for calling it Buffy the Rock Slayer. laugh.gif

Posted by: Hungry4info Nov 27 2008, 08:46 PM

QUOTE (centsworth_II @ Nov 27 2008, 10:37 AM) *
http://images.google.com.au/images?source=ig&hl=en&q=devil%27s%20coach%20horse&lr=lang_en&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi




Wow, that looks a LOT like MSL! laugh.gif

Posted by: BrianL Nov 27 2008, 09:05 PM

QUOTE (Hungry4info @ Nov 27 2008, 02:46 PM) *
Wow, that looks a LOT like MSL! laugh.gif


Maybe if SkyCrane ™ doesn't work. wink.gif

Posted by: Oersted Jan 3 2009, 01:35 AM

Call me boring, but.... "Explorer" sounds fine to me.

Posted by: Hungry4info Jan 3 2009, 02:56 AM

QUOTE (Oersted @ Jan 2 2009, 07:35 PM) *
Call me boring, but.... "Explorer" sounds fine to me.


I still like "MSL" smile.gif

Posted by: sci44 Jan 3 2009, 10:55 AM

If Mike Griffin *really* wants to keep in with the oncoming president, he should name it "Obama", or "Barack, the Rock Crusher".
Not so sure about "Hussein" though..
smile.gif (ducks)

Posted by: Stu Jan 3 2009, 11:52 AM

Well, seeing as the ************ thing is everywhere and there's no escape from it, I guess there's only one name to go with...



ohmy.gif tongue.gif

Posted by: ElkGroveDan Jan 3 2009, 05:12 PM

I've always been fond of Vespucci as an explorer.

Posted by: sci44 Jan 3 2009, 07:39 PM

Ok, so far on this thread we have:-

Eureka!, Innovation, Leviathan, Invincible, MUV, Sir, Monster, Lulu, Marvin, Machismo, Mayflower, Muscle, Missile, Hope, Canyonero, Lewis&Clark, Prospector, Seeker, Pilgrim, Sagan, Lowell, Schiaparelli, Burroughs, Wells, Intimidator, Goofy, Bradbury, Gort, ChuckNorris, Powell, AresLab, Barsoom, Mobilab, Schiparelli, Labrover1, Elvis, Predator, Feynman, Nprev, Tinne, Curie, Goliath, Mops, Aelita, Scarecrow, Sacagawea, York, Strider, Taco, Chalupa, Rover3.0, Wall-TER, Dragonfly, Firefly, Devil's coach horse, Buffy, Explorer, MSL, Obama, Barack, MammaMia, Vespucci.

I will chuck in Endeavor, Dauntless, Enterprise, Mettle, Resolve, Venture, Holst, and for fun, Trogdor.

Perhaps we should run a sweepstake? smile.gif


Posted by: ElkGroveDan Jan 3 2009, 08:11 PM

QUOTE (sci44 @ Jan 3 2009, 11:39 AM) *
Perhaps we should run a sweepstake? smile.gif


I'll find a polite way to predict what Doug will say: Ummmmm.........no.

Posted by: djellison Jan 4 2009, 12:50 AM

Seconded.

Posted by: stevesliva Jan 4 2009, 03:50 AM

Just call it Tim.

Posted by: nprev Jan 4 2009, 06:19 AM

I keep telling you guys: Nuclear-Powered Roving Exploration Vehicle is the only choice! tongue.gif


Posted by: sci44 Jan 4 2009, 11:18 PM

QUOTE (nprev @ Jan 4 2009, 06:19 AM) *
I keep telling you guys: Nuclear-Powered Roving Exploration Vehicle is the only choice! tongue.gif


Or (looking at your icon) Binary Electronic Nuclear-Device Exploration Rover!

You can bite my shiny metal.. smile.gif

PS - I would seriously nominate Holst, to commemorate the finest piece of music composed for Mars.

Posted by: dvandorn Jan 5 2009, 01:23 AM

I'm just waiting for someone to target a rover mission to one of the Martian caves that's been discovered in orbital imagery. Then it can be the Off-Track Heat Engine Rover Doing Observations Under Ground... rolleyes.gif

-the other Doug

Posted by: mps Jan 5 2009, 10:31 AM

QUOTE (dvandorn @ Jan 5 2009, 03:23 AM) *
Off-Track Heat Engine Rover Doing Observations Under Ground...

Too long for a good acronym, and as MSL will explore relatively flat terrains, I would propose Martian Plains Surveyor (or Mars Plains Surveyor).
Seriously, I think I will always prefer the original name - MSL.

Posted by: DEChengst Jan 5 2009, 06:07 PM

Calimero. Because Mars is big and MSL is small and that's not fair...

Posted by: stevo Feb 10 2009, 03:43 PM

Is it not called Bruce, then?
.
.
.
.
That's going to be a bit confusing.

Posted by: nprev Feb 10 2009, 04:04 PM

I keep thinking that they'll honor a planetary scientist. Kuiper springs to mind, and of course I'd still love to see it named Sagan (though the post-landing designation of Pathfinder as the Sagan Memorial Station probably torpedoes that.)

Posted by: Phil Stooke Feb 10 2009, 04:14 PM

In keeping with dvandorn's rather clever suggestion above, I propose:

Planetary Hexapod Instrumented Laboratory

And don't tell me that's too long for a good acronym!

Phil

Posted by: charborob Feb 10 2009, 05:01 PM

CHARiot BOldly ROving Barsoom seem appropriate to me.

Posted by: ustrax Feb 10 2009, 05:03 PM

Sci44, did you left http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=3667&view=findpost&p=78985 out on purpose?... tongue.gif
And there's a lot more on http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?showtopic=3667... wink.gif
EDITED: Sorry if I'm missing someone's suggestion:
Sagan, Antoniadi, Lowell, Burroughs, Heinlein, Willis, Tweel, Weinbaum, Tars Tarkas, Deja Thoris, Ras Thavas, Schiaparelli, Bottomos, Bagnold, ALICCE, BARSOOM, MiSheLle, Hope, Feynman, Challenger, Beagle, Serenity, BunwhacketbuzzardstoppingQWalrusTitty (nice one Doug!), Marsasaurus, Crushinator, Zoidberg, Bigfoot, Ark III, Inspector, Big Bertha, TONKA, Armadillo, Juggernaut, Killdozer, Bolo, Dalek, OGRE, Transfo, Lovebug, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Posted by: nprev Feb 11 2009, 12:48 AM

Rui, the only conspicuous omission I see is "Sir"! (Doug's idea...) tongue.gif

Posted by: Stu Mar 23 2009, 08:08 AM

Voting is now open, and here are your choices...

Sunrise
Pursuit
Wonder
Amelia
Vision
Adventure
Curiosity
Perception
Journey.

...?

Vote http://marsrovername.jpl.nasa.gov/SubmitVoteForm/index.cfm?CFID=414387&CFTOKEN=81559280

Posted by: punkboi Mar 23 2009, 08:11 AM

Curiosity sounds like a good name...since it has 5 syllables like Opportunity. If you're superstitious like I am... biggrin.gif

Posted by: ustrax Mar 23 2009, 02:07 PM

Sorry...but there isn't one suggestion that I find suitable for MSL... sad.gif
But voted anyway...Pursuit.

Posted by: MahFL Mar 23 2009, 02:14 PM

I agree they are all rubbishy names. Who on Earth selected these ?

Posted by: Stu Mar 23 2009, 02:17 PM

Schoolkids submitted them, just as they did, I believe, with Spirit and Oppy.

Struggling to find one that I like, or catches my eye, but I'm leaning towards "Pursuit". Just 'cos it sounds a bit tougher.

Posted by: ustrax Mar 23 2009, 02:23 PM

So go find those kids who named MER and hire them! tongue.gif

Do you believe this was the best the kids came up with?...
Or the guys making the selection were on a uninspired mood?...
Sunrise?!?

Posted by: lyford Mar 23 2009, 02:31 PM

I dunno, these names sound more like new age music albums than fitting monikers for the heavy metal we are sending to another planet....

Anyway - torn between Amelia, which I assume is in memory of Ms. Earhart, and Perception.

Perception - I think it would be cool to have a name that reminds us of the need to look around and be aware. It also seems a happy harbinger of the many discoveries MSL will make...

Pursuit sounds cool, but makes me think of police car chase videos smile.gif

Posted by: ugordan Mar 23 2009, 02:33 PM

I have to say none of those names strike me as fitting, either. To be honest, though, I'd probably have said the same about Spirit and Opportunity had I given it much thought before the names were a done deal.

Sunrise rover has a certain ring to it, maybe it's just me. Still sounds a bit lame.

Posted by: ngunn Mar 23 2009, 02:42 PM

Oh dear. I can't believe that all the suggestions they got were that bad. Show us the rejects!

Posted by: Stu Mar 23 2009, 02:56 PM

I have to be honest here, and no offense meant to the kids who submitted the shortlisted names - I bet they're all incredibly thrilled, and well done to them for taking the time and trouble to join in, but “Sunrise” is just a bit too hippy-huggy fake smile for me, and sounds like an orange juice or health drink; “Perception” sounds like something a cold, emotionless Vulcan would call a Mars rover, and “Curiosity” is a bit too timid-sounding, and is just screaming out to be tagged onto the word “killed” in newspaper headlines as soon as anything goes wrong… unsure.gif

At the moment, I’m leaning towards, and torn between, “Amelia” and “Pursuit”. I like Amelia not because I have a friend called Amelia, and it would be fun to read about her trekking across Mars every day, but because 1) I’m also wondering if the name was submitted as a tribute to the famous aviator Amelia Earhart, which would be a very spooky coincidence because 2) I bought, from a charity shop the other day, a video of the STAR TREK: VOYAGER series which includes the episode “The 37’s” which features… Amelia Earhart! (cue X-Files music)

No, I’m not joking; I really did buy a STAR TREK: VOYAGER video. I have a soft spot for that series, which I know puts me in a tiny minority of ST fans but…

Anyway, back to the naming contest. As I said, I’m torn between “Amelia” and “Pursuit”. “Pursuit” is edging it right now because it just sounds, well, sexier somehow, more fitting for a rugged, exciting space mission.

Posted by: AndyG Mar 23 2009, 02:56 PM

Out of that lot (and it's a remarkably bland list) "Amelia" is the only one that doesn't make me cringe too much. But MSL does not look like an Amelia. As my teachers would have written:

1/10. Very poor. Must try harder.

Andy

Posted by: Stu Mar 23 2009, 02:59 PM

I'm very conscious of the fact, however, that I wanted to throw a shoe through my computer monitor when I read what the MERs had been christened - they just seemed like the worst names in the world! - but somehow they've since "grown into" their names, and I now can't imagine them being called anything else... rolleyes.gif

Posted by: jamescanvin Mar 23 2009, 03:09 PM

That's what I'm trying to tell myself as well Stu.

I'm sure whatever is chosen will seem right in few years. But right now I'm struggling to decide which is the least worst.

Posted by: mcaplinger Mar 23 2009, 03:16 PM

QUOTE (Stu @ Mar 23 2009, 07:56 AM) *
I’m also wondering if the name was submitted as a tribute to the famous aviator Amelia Earhart...

I assume it was, and I wonder about the utter tone-deafness of choosing the name of a person whose main claim to fame is her mysterious disappearance.

I'm stunned at the awfulness of all of these candidates. (For calibration purposes, recall I was also underwhelmed by Spirit and Opportunity, though I see people using them with a straight face every day so they must work at some level.)

Posted by: ustrax Mar 23 2009, 03:20 PM

As more as I look at them the worst the choices look to me... laugh.gif
Besides what Stu wrote about curiosity...Wonder?!? Without wanting to hurt anyone's sensibility...Stevie...anyone?...

Posted by: lyford Mar 23 2009, 04:06 PM

In all humility, I was secretly hoping for my suggestion back in our own thread - TONS of better names there.
http://"http://www.unmannedspaceflight.com/index.php?s=&showtopic=3667&view=findpost&p=78626

QUOTE
How about the Dakota-Sioux word for "Great" or "Big":

TONKA!

Well, we already had a Lego tie in with MER... and what other metaphor is appropriate for all those engineers playing the the sandbox with their big toys?


Posted by: ElkGroveDan Mar 23 2009, 04:12 PM

QUOTE (jamescanvin @ Mar 23 2009, 07:09 AM) *
I'm sure whatever is chosen will seem right in few years.

Even if it's "Sunrise"??? I don't think I could ever grow accustomed to that.

Posted by: ustrax Mar 23 2009, 04:22 PM

QUOTE (ElkGroveDan @ Mar 23 2009, 04:12 PM) *
Even if it's "Sunrise"??? I don't think I could ever grow accustomed to that.


I would...as long as it finds some tequila... rolleyes.gif

Posted by: AndyG Mar 23 2009, 04:25 PM

QUOTE (ElkGroveDan @ Mar 23 2009, 04:12 PM) *
Even if it's "Sunrise"??? I don't think I could ever grow accustomed to that.

I think we need to look at the demographics - lots of PIs and engineers must have been studying during the years of Flower Power. We've already got a "Spirit" on Mars - now that's a Hippy name if ever I heard one. "Dawn"s already in space. "Sunrise" is therefore perfect.

Next week Phobos-Grunt will be renamed "Moon Unit". I betcha.

Andy

Posted by: Poolio Mar 23 2009, 04:30 PM

QUOTE (ustrax @ Mar 23 2009, 10:20 AM) *
Besides what Stu wrote about curiosity...Wonder?!? Without wanting to hurt anyone's sensibility...Stevie...anyone?...

I can't figure out if Wonder is meant to imply "marvel" (as in Boy Wonder) or "Gee, I wonder what's over there." Either way it fit nicely into the slot #9 on my ballot. Curiosity I don't like because it is either a pale reflection of the quest for knowledge or implies that the rover itself is a curiosity.

I like Pursuit in the sense of "pursuit of knowledge", but it brings to mind unfortunate images of the rover tearing across the Martian landscape at high speed. I also like Sunrise well enough, but there is already a probe named Dawn, so for me it lacks uniqueness.

Nobody's mentioned Vision. It works on a number of levels. There's the "vision of the future" angle, and the fact that it took "vision" to create and execute the mission. Also, its cameras give us a vision of the landscape in a literal sense. This got my top vote.

Posted by: MahFL Mar 23 2009, 04:33 PM

All spacecraft with camera's give us a vision......so it's lame - imho.

Posted by: Fran Ontanaya Mar 23 2009, 04:52 PM

Well, one characteristic distinction between MER and MSL could be that we would see more activities during sunrise hours, when the batteries are full.

Posted by: DarthVader Mar 23 2009, 04:53 PM

Have to said that all the names selected are rather lame. "Journey" may be the only one that "could" fit IMHO.

Posted by: eoincampbell Mar 23 2009, 04:57 PM

.. as far as nicknames go, Perception leads us to ... "Percy" ... maybe, maybe not ...

Posted by: MahFL Mar 23 2009, 05:07 PM

Hopefully someone from NASA will read our 10 or so comments and select a good name......LOL ohmy.gif

Posted by: Stu Mar 23 2009, 05:14 PM

Sorry, when I read the word "Sunrise" I'm reminded of this...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTH2Nsftn00

ohmy.gif laugh.gif

Posted by: algorimancer Mar 23 2009, 05:16 PM

Agreed, these are all some amazingly lame names. I run them through the mental audio test of news reports referring to "The ___ rover", and they all fail miserably. I went with Amelia and Sunrise as the best of those offered, though neither really fits. Kids -- grr -- I'll be interested in their opinions when they're over 30. Is Nasa going to start delegating engineering decisions to kids as well?

Posted by: Stu Mar 23 2009, 05:24 PM

I personally think it's great that kids are involved in this naming process, it really helps them feel involved and gives them an added interest in the mission. I can imagine the kids who took part in this competition sat at their kitchen tables, staring at a piece of blank paper, tapping a pencil on their teeth and Thinking Very Hard about what name to suggest, what name would be fitting and "spacey". That has to be a good thing, right? It's just a shame that this particular list of names is - in my, and it looks like our - opinion rather uninspiring.

But I guess that from a small kid's point of view those names ARE quite spacey... try putting an exclamation mark after some of them and you ARE a kid again: Journey! Adventure! Vision! That workd better, eh? smile.gif

But all of us here are thinking how naff it will be when we see the name on Exploratorium, or MMB, or here on UMSF. Different perspective.

After a day of thinking about it, "Amelia" is definitely growing on me...



...great link with an inspirational figure from history... a great background story to hang educational and Outreach programs onto... no arguments about the "sex" of the rover... ;-)

Posted by: mcaplinger Mar 23 2009, 06:54 PM

QUOTE (Stu @ Mar 23 2009, 10:24 AM) *
...great link with an inspirational figure from history...

Again, how are you ignoring the "mysterious disappearance" aspect?

Posted by: jmjawors Mar 23 2009, 07:02 PM

I hate to say it, but I wholeheartedly agree. These are all really lame choices. It's great outreach, and I know there was an essay contest to go along with this so it's all educationally great. But still.

At least the important thing is that all these kids are interested in the mission. That's far more valuable that any superficial name.

I guess I'll keep calling it MSL. tongue.gif

Posted by: Stu Mar 23 2009, 07:04 PM

QUOTE (mcaplinger @ Mar 23 2009, 06:54 PM) *
Again, how are you ignoring the "mysterious disappearance" aspect?


Not ignoring it, just not drawing attention to it wink.gif

Are we so superstitious that we think naming a spacecraft after an explorer who was lost - doing what they loved - will condemn the spacecraft to the same fate? I don't recall anyone suggesting the Galileo probe should be called something else because Galileo was put on trial for advancing knowledge. And no-one said "No! You can't call it that! That ship sank! It'll jinx Oppy!" when Endurance crater was named... smile.gif

Besides, isn't it a bit romantic? Or is there no place in the exploration of space for romance anymore..? unsure.gif

Posted by: punkboi Mar 23 2009, 07:29 PM

QUOTE (Stu @ Mar 23 2009, 12:04 PM) *
I don't recall anyone suggesting the Galileo probe should be called something else because Galileo was put on trial for advancing knowledge.


Galileo probably should've been named something else... Maybe then, its high-gain antenna would've fully deployed tongue.gif

Posted by: mcaplinger Mar 23 2009, 07:39 PM

QUOTE (Stu @ Mar 23 2009, 11:04 AM) *
Are we so superstitious that we think naming a spacecraft after an explorer who was lost - doing what they loved - will condemn the spacecraft to the same fate?

Well, maybe I'm that superstitious. Especially when a leading hypothesis about her loss is navigational error.

I won't argue semantics about whether Earhart was an "explorer" or not.

That said, I agree that it's probably the best of a bad lot.

Posted by: imipak Mar 23 2009, 08:18 PM

Wow, I'm glad it's not just me that thinks they're all dreadful.

An unfortunate demise is not the first thing that springs to mind when thinking of Galileo, or indeed Endurance, but is certainly is what Amelia Earhart's associated with. Come on, let's face it, the jokes will just write themselves the moment there's the slightest glitch, issue, or hint of a problem. The only appeal of Amelia is that it has a little personality. The rest are just... beige, and a soft pastel beige, at that.

I'm with the earlier suggestion: Emmessell is better than any of those.

Posted by: climber Mar 23 2009, 09:43 PM

If Wonder's choosen, it'll become Wally, and that'll not be too bad...

Posted by: AndyG Mar 23 2009, 09:52 PM

Female aviators do not, of course, start and end at Earhart. Bessie Coleman arguably did more for the aviation industry - and then-current racial perceptions.

Andy

Posted by: rogelio Mar 23 2009, 09:59 PM

Pursuit, Journey, Spirit … Seems a bit pallid and pointless to go on naming Martian UM spacecraft along these grandiose lines.

How about short, “endearing” names that people will easily remember and get used to using over the (hopefully!) long lives of these missions: We have our “Oppy”; now how about Wally (recalls the cartoon robot as well as a Mercury astronaut), Sally (another astronaut), Gene (as in Shoemaker), or even, yes, Amelia.

Corollary: To forestall any “giggle factor” (a la Amelia), names not be revealed by NASA until the actual successful landing.


Posted by: Geert Mar 24 2009, 12:11 AM

QUOTE (imipak @ Mar 24 2009, 03:18 AM) *
Come on, let's face it, the jokes will just write themselves the moment there's the slightest glitch, issue, or hint of a problem.


I remember reading somewhere that NASA simply didn't know that Mercury was the Roman god who was leading the newly deceased souls to the afterlife... that was a hell of a blunder in naming a manned spacecraft, they were just lucky ;-)

Frankly I think I would prefer to stick with 'MSL', it's simple and it doesn't cause any confusion. Nobody bothered to give 'MRO' some kind of fancy name and there are a lot of other examples. The important thing is to get the beast safely down on Mars (and in an interesting spot please)!

Posted by: dvandorn Mar 24 2009, 12:27 AM

QUOTE (AndyG @ Mar 23 2009, 10:25 AM) *
Next week Phobos-Grunt will be renamed "Moon Unit". I betcha.

Naw -- I'd more imagine "Dweezil." After all, Moon Unit in this context would actually make a certain amount of sense... laugh.gif

-the other Doug

Posted by: dvandorn Mar 24 2009, 12:43 AM

The only one that I even begin to like is "Journey." Brings to mind visions of seeing what's beyond that next hill, into the valley beyond...

I especially dislike trying to name spacecraft from a list of noun-form adjectives. Curiosity? I'm sorry, I think in terms of the diffident statement "Well, that's a curiosity," referring to some trivial, poorly-understood situation or even device. You know, as in the exchange, "What is that?" "Oh, nothing -- just a curiosity."

Why not some *exploratory* names, like Perseverance, or Far Horizon? But "Curiosity" and such as names, are just... I dunno... lame.

"Vision" might be nice, if the whole point of MSL was to see things. While I'm sure the cameras will be quite important in its science mission, I don't think that "Vision" is an accurate portrayal of the geological mission of the new rover. So, I can't get behind that one, either.

"Amelia" is fine, except that there is that nasty little connection between Earhart and "mysterious disappearance." For the same reason, I don't think anyone would have suggested Nungesser and Coli for the names of the MERs, no matter how accomplished the pair were before they disappeared on their trans-Atlantic attempt. And remember, Amelia Earhart wasn't the only one on that final flight -- to honor her navigator, ought the Descent Stage be renamed Fred? huh.gif

Just my opinions -- y'all are more than welcome to disagree, as always. smile.gif

-the other Doug

Posted by: SpaceListener Mar 24 2009, 12:52 AM

I tought that the mission of MSL is based on "Perception" since it is carrying the most sophisticated instrumental ever sent to the space. So MSL will be highly perceptive to its environment searching for any signs of past and present life.

Posted by: Astro0 Mar 24 2009, 12:52 AM

On Stu's point of engaging children in science - read http://news10now.com/content/all_news/136114/oneida-county-girl-could-name-the-next-mars-rover/Default.aspx on the girl who nominated Amelia as a name for MSL.
Regardless of how good or bad we think these names area, there are children (at least in the US) who are thinking about Mars exploration.

...and the winner is...'SCIENCE'.

Posted by: ElkGroveDan Mar 24 2009, 01:43 AM

QUOTE (Stu @ Mar 23 2009, 09:24 AM) *
After a day of thinking about it, "Amelia" is definitely growing on me...

You might try some of this:



Posted by: ngunn Mar 24 2009, 12:16 PM

'Roundup' - now that's a much better name. smile.gif

Aside from the disappearance issue I think it's odd to name a ground vehicle after an aviator. (The first Martian airplane maybe.) 'Louis' would be more appropriate I think:
http://www.citroenet.org.uk/resources/books/biblio-crossingsands.html

Of the finalists we're stuck with I think I could get accustomed to Adventure most easily.

Posted by: MahFL Mar 24 2009, 12:27 PM

They should call her "Darwin". It was his anniversary recently. Though that won't proberbly please the creationalists........... huh.gif

"Monkeys" on Mars....anyone ?

Posted by: BrianL Mar 24 2009, 12:53 PM

I held my nose and voted for Journey. I tried dragging all the rest into the #9 box but it wouldn't let me. Well, as someone else has already noted, I seem to recall hearing Spirit and Opportunity for the first time, and gagging at that time, too. So, I guess it's just one of those things that will grow on you. As long as it isn't Pursuit. Or Wonder. Or Perception. Or...


Posted by: Oersted Mar 24 2009, 01:01 PM

Even "Colbert" would have been better than that bunch...

Posted by: ynyralmaen Mar 24 2009, 01:03 PM

The Japanese word for http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hinode is in use for another mission at the moment; much more relevant for that mission than MSL.

Posted by: mcaplinger Mar 24 2009, 01:43 PM

QUOTE (BrianL @ Mar 24 2009, 04:53 AM) *
I held my nose and voted for Journey.

Perhaps this shows my age, but I can't hear this one without hearing Steve Perry singing in my head rolleyes.gif
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Journey_(band) for the youngsters. "Don't stop//believin'"

Posted by: lyford Mar 24 2009, 03:04 PM

QUOTE (Oersted @ Mar 24 2009, 05:01 AM) *
Even "Colbert" would have been better than that bunch...


That name might http://www.nasa.gov/externalflash/name_ISS/index.html. blink.gif

Posted by: nprev Mar 24 2009, 05:53 PM

Stepping back a bit, it almost seems as if US spacecraft naming follows four different traditions: abstract exploratory heraldry (Mariner, Voyager, Viking, Pioneer, New Horizons, Messenger, Odyssey, Pathfinder, Ranger), personal tribute (Magellan, Galileo, Cassini, Sojourner), even more abstract emotive reference (Spirit, Opportunity), and sheer pragmatism (LRO, Lunar Orbiter, MRO, MGS).

Of the four, I personally prefer the first & last, and actually it seems like the first is dominant.

Posted by: Poolio Mar 24 2009, 06:11 PM

Might I propose a fifth category as well, one that will unify the outliers with a common theme: imagery evocative of mission objectives (Stardust, Deep Impact, Genesis, Phoenix, Dawn).

Posted by: BrianL Mar 24 2009, 09:54 PM

QUOTE (mcaplinger @ Mar 24 2009, 07:43 AM) *
Perhaps this shows my age, but I can't hear this one without hearing Steve Perry singing in my head rolleyes.gif


You know, I was tempted to suggest that in my message as the rover's theme song but then I realized how unnecessarily cruel that would be. I mean, most people have long forgotten it, and now this just puts it back in their heads, and nobody deserves to have that song running through their head, over and over, Don't stop... stop... stop... STOP! STOP! Arggghhhh! Can't someone just wipe the 80's from my mind?

Posted by: elakdawalla Mar 24 2009, 10:28 PM

Journey has a new lease on life -- it's no longer Steve Perry, http://www.rollingstone.com/rockdaily/index.php/2007/12/05/journey-finds-new-singer-the-old-fashioned-way-on-the-internet/.

Please don't ask me why I know this.

--Emily

Just a small-town girl....livin' in a lonely wo-o-orld....

 

Posted by: dougs_better_half Mar 25 2009, 10:56 AM

I voted too - I went for Sunrise first (because it suggests birth or awakening) - and there's already a Dawn out there, so it fits.

If I had to put forward my own they would be :


Helen

Posted by: Geert Mar 25 2009, 11:26 AM

QUOTE (dougs_better_half @ Mar 25 2009, 05:56 PM) *
Beatrix (name means "Voyager through Life") - or Beatrice, Beatriz - any variation


Beatrix is the name of our Dutch queen, and Amelia is the name of one of her granddaughters, so I guess a lot of Dutch would feel very proud with these names for MSL smile.gif

Personally, if MSL had to be named after some person, I would vote for Darwin, as has been mentioned here already, but that name would probably be controversial and that alone once again clearly shows the problem with naming spacecraft after historical persons or mythical entities...

Posted by: mps Mar 25 2009, 12:42 PM

QUOTE (Poolio @ Mar 24 2009, 08:11 PM) *
imagery evocative of mission objectives (Stardust, Deep Impact, Genesis, Phoenix, Dawn).


Those are PI-given names, I think they can call their spacecraft almost whatever they want.

There is already a space project http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darwin_(ESA). On the other hand, that didn't stop Europeans to name ATV-2 Johannes Kelper and their navigation satellite system Galileo

Posted by: Patteroast Mar 25 2009, 01:00 PM

It took me a while to narrow down which I disliked the least, but I think I eventually went for Pursuit, with runners-up being Vision and Journey.

Most disliked: Perception.

I'm sure, like some others have mentioned, that we'll probably get used to whatever they pick, eventually. rolleyes.gif

Posted by: nprev Mar 25 2009, 03:07 PM

Well, after reviewing the naming traditions (agree there are at least five; good catch, Poolio!), I voted for Amelia. Not super-enthused about it but it's better than the rest, IMHO. The other nouns/gerunds/adjectives just lack something...maybe not assertive enough for the boldness of the venture.

However, like the MERs, it's always gonna really be MSL to me! smile.gif

Posted by: gpurcell Mar 25 2009, 10:22 PM

I think it should be called Rover.

Then it would be the Rover rover.

Posted by: punkboi May 4 2009, 11:37 PM

The name for MSL should be announced any day now.

Posted by: James Sorenson May 5 2009, 06:56 AM

I was just listening to the JPL Ustream open house in the SAF. I don't know if this is a mistake or not, but at around 10 minutes into the stream, Mike Watkins says that MSL will get a name in the next couple of months huh.gif.

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/1457035

Posted by: punkboi May 5 2009, 07:56 PM

Sigh.

I guess it's difficult to choose from such awesome names as Perception, Journey and Adventure. rolleyes.gif

Posted by: Oersted May 23 2009, 10:46 AM

When you see it, only "Big Ass Rover" seems really appropriate (with that nuclear powerplant sticking out the back)... - The abbreviation isn't bad either.

Posted by: ustrax May 27 2009, 02:44 PM

And the winner is...Curiosity... rolleyes.gif

Posted by: jmjawors May 27 2009, 02:52 PM

Article - [http://www.nasa.gov/mission_pages/msl/msl-20090527.html]

Color me 'unimpressed.' But still, great education and outreach... and that's the important thing. Hopefully the name will grow on us as the months pass by.

Posted by: jamescanvin May 27 2009, 03:00 PM

Well, like Opportunity it has far too many syllables for everyday use. Luckily it shortens nicely to 'Curie'. wink.gif

Posted by: djellison May 27 2009, 03:04 PM

This is my pre-emptive 'don't bitch and moan' warning.

It is what it is. Few people liked Spirit and Opportunity to begin with.

At least it now has a name - time to change the sub-forum title smile.gif

Posted by: Hungry4info May 27 2009, 03:28 PM

QUOTE (djellison @ May 27 2009, 09:04 AM) *
This is my pre-emptive 'don't bitch and moan' warning.


Haha, lay down the law! laugh.gif

Posted by: hendric May 27 2009, 03:33 PM

Curiosity has landed!
Curiosity has passed the 10 km mark!
Curiosity has found signs of water!
Curiosity is stuck in a sand pit!
Curiosity has freed itself from the pit!

Meh, it works I guess. smile.gif

Posted by: mcaplinger May 27 2009, 03:35 PM

QUOTE (djellison @ May 27 2009, 08:04 AM) *
This is my pre-emptive 'don't bitch and moan' warning.

If that's the way you feel you should just close the thread.

Is the expression "curiousity killed the cat" common in other countries or just the US?

Posted by: Norm Hartnett May 27 2009, 04:49 PM

QUOTE (mcaplinger @ May 27 2009, 07:35 AM) *
Is the expression "curiousity killed the cat" common in other countries or just the US?

wheel.gif No no! Don't tell me that Curiosity has run down one of the terribly rare Martian Sandcats! wheel.gif


Posted by: djellison May 27 2009, 04:57 PM

QUOTE (mcaplinger @ May 27 2009, 04:35 PM) *
If that's the way you feel you should just close the thread.


OK.

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