Imagine the future of space exploration with Ugears' Manned Mars Rover, an all-terrain planetary explorer with 6x6 all-wheel drive, a cab for two astronauts, spring-driven motor, a swivel between cab and body, and fully-sprung independent suspension. This DIY model space rover has its front centerline pushed forward for better climbing and stability, front wheels that turn for maneuverability, and large diameter wheels to overcome obstacles while navigating the Martian landscape. A ramp folds down in the back, while a top-mounted dish antenna rotates 360° and can swivel up and down to transmit or receive signals to and from the base.
The Manned Mars Rover has a storage bay for tools and equipment or rock samples. Open it up to reveal the ratchet key that winds the spring motor. On the back left panel is a Start/Stop slide switch. Set the switch to "Stop" before giving the ratchet key several twists, then close the bay, flip the switch to "Start" and watch as your rover sets off to explore the red planet. Set up your own Martian obstacle course and be amazed at how the rover's six wheels cushion the bumps thanks to independent suspension, while rubberized wheels provide grip on smooth surfaces.
Laser engraving provides a level of detail and realism—just look at the cab's dashboard and the solar panels on top of the hatch. But we're most proud that NASA has permitted Ugears to include a sticker with the official NASA insignia that you can place on your Rover's right side panel! The insignia, in use since 1959, features a blue sphere representing a planet, a v-shaped red wing representing aeronautics, stars that represent space, and a white circular orbit around the space agency's name.
The Ugears Manned Mars Rover is "big brother" to our Mars Rover mini model, and a far-out addition to our already impressive collection of all-terrain vehicles, including the Tracked Off-Road Vehicle, Desert Buggy, Military Truck, Dozor-B Combat Vehicle, and Scrambler UGR-10 Motorbike. Collect them all, compare their performance, and think about how engineers tailor design to meet the needs of the mission!