you want to be part of some real space exploration in the future Marsdrive has a project just for you- Mars Workbench. Imagine attending a large technology or aviation event. In one pavilion is a life-size mock-up of the Mars Sample Return vehicle, transparent, with blue foam blocks representing the ten components to be designed and built in the upcoming competition.

Brochures explain the competition with details on each challenge and a link to a web site with the requirements specifications. A summer of such exhibits ends with the team registration deadline.  A science documentary or television series crew follows the development of a new core MSR prototype vehicle with power, computer control, and other slots for the competition entries.  Meanwhile, worldwide, teams consisting of small aerospace companies, universities, garage mechanics, hobbyists, and experimental aircraft builders quietly document their progress in building functional solar array deployment systems, earth entry capsules, robotic software, and other components. 

The following Spring, competitors and components arrive at a hangar containing the core prototype vehicle and a television crew.  Each entry is extensively tested and a winner is chosen based on performance, mass, power, reliability, and other criteria.  With fanfare, each team is awarded a trophy and the entry is placed in the core prototype.  That Summer, the MSR prototype with the winning components repeats and expands the exhibit tour from the previous year, this time with working components being demonstrated and supported by a TV series. Interest in Mars exploration is promoted, along with the engineering skills of the communities who worked on the project.  Next to the working MSR prototype is another clear plastic exhibit - perhaps a suit, rover, or crew module.  The winners may also be on hand to explain their systems and sign autographs, inspiring the competitors for next year.

Years later, the competitors reunite at the Smithsonian Air & Space Museum Milestones of Flight Hall.  They are there along with NASA and aerospace contractor engineers for the dedication of the exhibit of the first Mars Sample Return capsule.  Next to that capsule is a mars rock that can be touched by the public, and the prototype that paved the way for its return.