A replica of NASA’s Mars “Opportunity” Rover landed at Expo 2020 Dubai – thanks to UPS, the Official Logistics Partner.The rovers – six in total – collect rock and soil samples and look for signs of life on Mars, our nearest neighboring planet. This replica traveled from Washington, D.C. to Dubai for display at Expo 2020’s USA Pavilion.

“I’m so proud of our team and how we were able to work together to create, insure, transport and move this shipment,” said Derek Irving, UPS director of Expo 2020 operations. “It wouldn’t have been possible without the collaboration of UPSers, the Smithsonian Institute, U.S. government and the USA Pavilion team. This is another example of how we’re moving our world forward by delivering what matters.”

The Mars “Opportunity” Rover is part of an exhibit within the USA Pavilion showcasing how the United States is leading innovation efforts under the theme of “life, liberty and the pursuit of the future.” The exhibit also displays a rare lunar sample about 3.8 billion years old. The crew of Apollo 17 astronauts brought this historic piece to Earth in 1972 on their last moon mission.

Expo 2020, also known by many as the World’s Fair, was scheduled in 2020 but delayed due to the pandemic. The event, which formally kicked off Oct. 1 and runs through March 31, 2022, will bring together experts to explore solutions to global problems and showcase innovations from countries around the world. The six-month-long celebration offers visitors the opportunity to explore more than 190 country pavilions, thought-provoking exhibits around the Expo themes of mobility, sustainability and opportunity and unique experiences to foster greater global collaboration on the challenges of our time.

Check out the video of UPS’s transport of the Mars Rover replica, which spanned more than 8,000 miles. Link