Curiosity Rover Plays First Song Transmitted From Another Planet

Aug. 28, 2012

Ann Marie Trotta
Headquarters, Washington
202-358-1601
ann.marie.trotta@nasa.gov

RELEASE: 12-296

CURIOSITY ROVER PLAYS FIRST SONG TRANSMITTED FROM ANOTHER PLANET

PASADENA -- For the first time in history, a recorded song has been
beamed back to Earth from another planet. Students, special guests
and news media gathered at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in
Pasadena, Calif., today to hear "Reach for the Stars" by musician
will.i.am after it was transmitted from the surface of Mars by the
Curiosity rover.

NASA Administrator Charles Bolden addressed the crowd in a video
message encouraging students to study science, technology,
engineering and math (STEM). "Mars has always fascinated us, and the
things Curiosity tells us about it will help us learn about whether
or not life was possible there," Bolden said. "And what future human
explorers can expect. will.i.am has provided the first song on our
playlist of Mars exploration."

In opening remarks, NASA Associate Administrator for Education and
space shuttle astronaut Leland Melvin said, "I can think of no
greater way to honor NASA pioneer Neil Armstrong's life and legacy
than to inspire today's students to follow his path. That first
footprint that Neil placed on the lunar surface left an indelible
mark in history. Perhaps one of our students here today or watching
on NASA Television will be the first to set foot on the surface of
Mars and continue humanity's quest to explore."

Musician and entrepreneur will.i.am shared his thoughts about "Reach
for the Stars" becoming the first interplanetary song and an anthem
for NASA education. The entertainer is a well-known advocate of
science and technology education. He said, "Today is about inspiring
young people to lead a life without limits placed on their potential
and to pursue collaboration between humanity and technology through
STEAM education. I know my purpose is to inspire young people,
because they will keep inspiring me back."

After completing a journey of more than 700 million miles from Earth
to Mars and back, the opening orchestral strains of "Reach for the
Stars" filled the auditorium. The event added to continuing worldwide
interest in Curiosity's mission.

NASA engineers spoke to attendees about the Curiosity mission, and the
systems engineering and orbital mechanics involved in getting the
song file back from Mars. Students had the opportunity to ask
questions of all program participants. Earlier in the day, students
received a guided tour of JPL to view rover models and learn about
STEM career options.

During the event, will.i.am's i.am angel Foundation and Discovery
Education announced a $10 million classroom education initiative that
will reach 25 million students annually, including many from
underserved communities. Focused on STEAM (science, technology,
engineering, arts and mathematics) educational themes, the Discovery
Education initiative will incorporate NASA content and space
exploration themes as part of the curriculum.

The event will be replayed on NASA Television. For schedule
information, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/ntv

For information about NASA's education programs, visit:

http://www.nasa.gov/education


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