When NASA launches the space probe Juno on a mission to Jupiter, it will contain three LEGO figures, representing two Roman gods and Galileo Galilei, the father of modern astronomy.
Juno is set to launch Friday on a five-year mission to Jupiter, the largest and likely first planet in the solar system.
Scientists hope a thorough analysis of its composition will help explain how the Earth and other planets came to be.
The figurines are made from aluminum instead of the standard LEGO plastic, and cost approximately $5,000 each, which is being paid for by LEGO.
They represent italian astronomer Galileo Galilei, holding his telescope, and the Roman gods Jupiter and Juno, his wife.
According to LEGO, putting the figurines on the probe is a way to promote children's interest in NASA space programs.
“We're reaching out to a little younger audience,” said Scott Bolton, director of space science at Southwest Research Institutes.
“We hope that will increase awareness of children about the space program, get them interested.”
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