I get e-mail alerts about funding opportunities for scientific research in my field. Usually these alerts are for NASA, NSF, or DoD programs. They might be for basic scientific research on various aspects of the solar system, or occasionally for instruments or mission proposals to the other planets. Most of the time I already know about these funding opportunities, but sometimes the e-mail notification points out a program that I was not aware of. So when I got a notification for “Mars and Lunar Exploration Awards” I followed the link. After all, “exploration” is the code word for everything NASA is doing related to someday returning people to the Moon. I’ve already been involved in successful proposals related to lunar exploration. Well these new awards sure do sweeten the pot for lunar and Martian exploration. The Earth and Space Foundation, based in England, has established several awards. This one is typical:
The first team to complete an overland traverse of the Martian south polar ice cap, reach the Martian south pole, and return across the cap wins the award. And the award is…

Are you ready?

A trophy!

Specifically, a trophy with a plaque with room for the names of all the people in the expedition to the Martian south pole, and a “symbolic” rock from Earth’s own polar continent, Antarctica! Well what are we waiting for? Now there’s a real incentive to go to Mars!