Pasadena, CA — 18 JUN 10
Florida Student Works on NASA Project That Will Enable the Further Exploration of Mars
By: Jackie Juergens
Mike Sorrenti, Oakville, CT resident, is a spring 2010 intern at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena California with the Undergraduate Student Research Program (USRP).
Sorrenti is working in the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Project with the Flight Software Testing project. Sorrenti is working with NASA mentor Danny Lam, for 15 weeks as an intern to design and develop test procedures for software that controls modules to be included on the MSL Rover.
“I’m incredibly grateful for having an opportunity to contribute to a project that will push the boundaries of human technological capabilities as the rover travels millions of miles to explore a planet that has excited and consumed the imagination of mankind to all of civilization,” comments Sorrenti.
MSL Rover is the largest wheeled vehicle being sent to Mars and is approximately as large as a small car. The rover will have tools designed to examine Martian rocks and soils in greater detail than ever before to determine the geologic process that formed them; study the Martian atmosphere; and determine the distribution and circulation of water and carbon dioxide, whether frozen, liquid or gaseous.
“Michael is very committed and often takes ownership of difficult tasks. He contributes above and beyond my expectations. He is a quick learner and a great team player”, adds Lam.
A sophomore majoring in computer engineering, Sorrenti plans to graduate from Florida Institute of Technology in May 2012. During his spare time Sorrenti enjoys working on European cars and riding motorcycles.
