Shape-memory alloys

The Spheres of Mars

1993 – 2003

The project, which was never completed, consisted in placing on the Martian surface a small wire sphere weighing a few tens of grams, inside which metal structures made of shape-memory alloy (recalling plant or animal life on Earth) were to transform themselves with the passing of Martian days and nights as well as with the passing of the seasons.

To be brought to completion, the project required technical expertise of the highest level. Companies, laboratories and institutions with mastery of shape-memory alloy technology, or directly involved in space technology and space-related professions, were therefore called upon. The official partners involved in carrying out the project made it possible to confirm its technical feasibility:

- Aérospatiale (Nantes site)

​ - the CEA (Commissariat à l'énergie atomique)

- the CNES (Centre national d'études spatiales) together with INTESPACE

- the École des mines de Paris (ARMINES laboratory, Centre des matériaux)

- the ESA (European Space Agency)

- RAYCHEM Corp.

The Sphere of Mars was to be carried to the planet Mars on one of the Martian exploration missions planned for the early 2000s.

3D modelling of the Sphere of Mars at different moments of a Martian day, 1996. Produced by René Locicéro.

Prototype of the Sphere of Mars in open and closed positions, 1996. Brass and steel, 10 cm in diameter, mass under 50 grams. Produced by: École des mines de Paris, Armines.

3D modelling of another version of the Sphere of Mars at different moments of a Martian day, 1996. Produced by René Locicéro.