A pioneering multi-spacecraft mission has just set course for Mars, carrying a special Easter egg that adds a touch of fun to serious scientific exploration. The twin probes, part of NASA’s ESCAPADE mission, launched on Thursday aboard a New Glenn rocket, marking a significant milestone in interplanetary research.

Over the next 22 months, these identical satellites—named “Blue” and “Gold” after the University of California, Berkeley’s colors—will orbit Mars to monitor how space weather influences its magnetosphere. Their goal is to understand how interactions with solar particles contributed to Mars losing most of its atmosphere billions of years ago.

Notably, these spacecraft are the first Mars explorers designed, built, and tested by Rocket Lab, a California-based aerospace company founded in New Zealand. Experts note that such international collaboration boosts innovation in space technology. The inclusion of a hidden “Easter egg”—a small surprise or message—on board reflects the tradition of scientists embedding personal touches in their missions, inspiring future generations of explorers.

This mission exemplifies how international expertise and playful touches can drive forward our understanding of the Red Planet.

David Nield

Dave is a freelance tech journalist with over 20 years covering gadgets, apps, and the web. From Stockport, England, he covers news, features, and reviews for TechRadar, focusing on phones, tablets, and wearables. He ensures top weekend breaking news and has bylines at Gizmodo, T3, PopSci, and others. He edited PC Explorer and The Hardware Handbook for years. Read me on x.com or linkedin.