Vince Cable, the first man on MARS? No, he's just unveiling a red planet simulator in Stevenage that will teach future …

The new Airbus Defence and Space 'Mars Yard' has been unveiled at the company's complex in Hertfordshire and features 300tonnes of sand The yard will be used to test the autonomous navigation system of Europe's next generation ExoMars rover Manufacture of the rover will begin early in 2015 and mission launch is planned for 2018

By Rachel Reilly

PUBLISHED: 12:35 EST, 27 March 2014 | UPDATED: 13:26 EST, 27 March 2014

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At first glance you might think Vince Cable has adjusted pretty well to Mars' hostile environment.

Despite the chilly 63 C temperatures and lack of oxygen, the MP appears relaxed, wearing just a suit and tie.

But the Secretary of State for Business is in fact visiting a test yard in Stevenage, Hertfordshire, designed to replicate Mars.

The new Airbus Defence Space Mars Yard measures 98ft (30 metres) by 43ft (13 metres) and contains more than 300 tonnes of sand meaning engineers can test the next generation of vehicles destined to explore the red planet.

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Vince Cable, the first man on MARS? No, he's just unveiling a red planet simulator in Stevenage that will teach future ...