NASA holds "Name the Rover" contest

Which word best characterizes a vehicle made for another planet? That’s exactly what NASA is asking the public with their “Name the Rover” contest. NASA plans to launch their Mars 2020 rover in July, but before it can happen, they need your help naming it.

Last year, over 28,000 students across the country submitted essays with suggested names. Now, NASA has narrowed it down to the top nine. The final names are: Clarity, Courage, Endurance, Fortitude, Ingenuity, Perseverance, Promise, Tenacity, and Vision.

In each essay, students describe why their chosen name is fitting for the life and journey of a rover.

NASA will use this public vote to help pick the rover's name. The official name will be announced in March.

You can read more about Mars 2020 here, including the goals and expected dates of the mission.

You can read each of the nine essays and vote for your favorite name here. Voting ends Monday.

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