Shanghai Inertia

The Voice of Mars — Aerospace & Astronomy exhibit for science museums

Studio rendering

Category	Aerospace & Astronomy
Standard size	Custom size
Supply	Single unit or batch · OEM to your drawing
Lead time	Standard 4–8 weeks after deposit (confirmed per contract)
Warranty	1 year, structure and control
Documents	Specification sheet · control diagram · spare-part list

A standard catalogue model: the dimensions, control package and finish are fixed, which is what keeps the price and the lead time predictable. Size, colour and interface language can be adapted without a new design cycle.

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01 / Overview

China's first Mars rover, Zhurong, has transmitted the sound of distant planets back to us. These messages, known as the 'Voice of Mars', contain the history, secrets, and possible signs of life on Mars, waiting for humans to listen and interpret.

02 / How visitors use it

The unit is designed for unsupervised public use: controls are recessed or shielded, moving parts are enclosed, and the interface is operable by a child of about six with no instruction. Where a screen is used, the language can be switched without changing the hardware, and the content can be replaced on site.

03 / The science behind it

The British journal Nature reported a planetary science study in 2022, in which scientists analyzed acoustic measurements on Mars and revealed the velocities of two types of sound in an atmosphere dominated by carbon dioxide. The measurement of sound may contribute to the study of planetary atmospheres and increase the possibility of understanding the acoustic environment of other planets. The microphone of the "Perseverance" Mars rover provided for the first time the characteristics of the Martian acoustic environment within the audible and inaudible ranges. A total of 4 hours and 40 minutes of Martian sound were analyzed, including air turbulence caused by wind, spark sound generated when the probe used laser to segment rocks for studying planetary chemical characteristics, and other noise generated by the probe's machinery. China's first Mars rover, the Zhurong rover (also known as the Tianwen-1 Mars rover), transmitted the first batch of sounds recorded on Mars and recorded a video of the planet, in which the sound of metal collisions can be clearly heard.

04 / Built for a public floor

Every unit leaves the factory after a running test: mechanisms cycled, electronics burned in, edges dressed, fixings torqued and marked. Wear parts — bearings, sliders, lamps, belts, touch panels — are modular and listed on the spare-part sheet, so a venue technician can replace them without returning the exhibit. Crating is plywood with foam blocking; the loading plan and packing list travel with the shipment.