JPL to be depicted in a U.S. mural project

Eight years ago artist Ellen Griesedieck began a project with the basic foundation of examining the American worker. From the beginning the mural project titled the “Wall of America” was ambitious. But as it progressed the idea turned into more of an ideal of American ingenuity and pride, and a gathering of talent from old to the very young across the United States.

The project, which at its completion will be 48 feet high and 120 feet wide, is being housed in a Connecticut barn. It is a collection of mural pieces from across America that depicts the world of work from glass blowers to farmers created by school children.

“I want the next generation to understand that we shouldn’t be ashamed of who were and where we have come from,” Griesedieck said.

Last week the artist’s quest brought her to La Cañada where she, along with students from Clark Magnet High School Robotics Team from La Crescenta, toured the JPL campus. The students had been chosen by Griesedieck to create portraits of scientists and engineers that have helped the country reach and investigate Mars.

The part of the Space Studies section of the mural will focus on NASA/JPL’s Mars Exploration Rover Mission. Griesedieck said she was inspired to focus on the Mars rovers because of a book, “Roving Mars: Spirit, Opportunity, and the exploration of the red planet” written by Steven Squyres, principal investigator for science instruments on Mars rovers.

“When I finished the book, there were over 7,000 names and I [realized] this is why we got to Mars,” Griesedieck said. “The Space Study happens in 19 states with 14,000 people.”

The students and artist were taken on a private tour that looked into the future of Martian exploration that included a stop at the Mars Yard.

Mobility engineer Sean Haggart explained how the wheels were designed to be able to roll over the large rocks on the Martian surface.

“For MER [Mars Exploration Rovers] it was follow the water. For MSL we are now looking for life, organic materials,” said Keith Rosette, mechanical engineer.

He told the students about some of the new payload that will be added to the rover including a laser that will be able to shoot a Martian rock and analyze the smoke from the rock.

“Being able to do remote science [is exciting],” he said.