One of the U.S. space program's trickiest launches is being prepared this week, readied for takeoff under the scrutiny of an unusually large audience. Luckily, it turns out that wilting flowers don't present quite as large a danger as worn heat shield plates.
Yes, this is the Jet Propulsion Labs' entry for the upcoming Rose Parade, a float commemorating 50 years of American space flight. On Jan. 31, 1958, the JPL's Explorer 1 was the first U.S. satellite to reach orbit.
Naturally, Explorer 1 is represented on the 25-foot-high float, along with Voyager 1, a Mars orbiter and rover, and several planets done up in flowers. According to the agency, the models will be decorated with
black seaweed, eucalyptus leaves, split pea and ground walnut shells to daisies, roses, carnations, chrysanthemums, carnations, strawflower and cut everlasting.
A prettier version of the solar system has never been seen. Except for the real one, of course.
Countdown to Launch of Jet Propulsion Lab Rose Parade Float[JPL press release]
(Images: Views of the JPL Rose Parade float in the making. Credit: NASA/JPL)
