NASA wants you to get involved in the Journey to Mars.
Specifically, we're looking for your ideas about how to
get even more science and technology value out of our
robotic Mars missions through innovative uses of balance mass
or dead weight we eject from spacecraft during landing sequences.
We're looking for creative, yet feasible ideas to
create a dual purpose for the balance mass jettisoned from Mars landers
like the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) during entry and landing.
This balance mass is jettisoned during two parts of the landing sequence: 
are ejected at the end of the cruise phase immediately prior to entry.
are ejected after atmospheric entry and prior to landing.
Maybe you would collect Mars atmospheric dust samples using aerogel inserts...
or deploy a suite of impactor probes, or tumbling rovers,
or even a micro-sized glider? The best idea could be awarded
$20,000. Take part in the challenge.
and perhaps be a part of the Journey to Mars!
