2009 Northwest Passage Drive Expedition Official Sponsors
The Mars Institute and the Haughton-Mars Project would like to heartily thank the many generous sponsors who helped this expedition become a reality. Without their faith in our abilities and mission we would not be where we are today.
AM General is the manufacturer of the military High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle (HMMWV) or Humvee. The Moon-1 Humvee Rover was provided to the Mars Institute by AM General in support of Science and Exploration research at HMP. The HMP uses Humvees because of their exceptional characteristics as all-terrain personnel and cargo transport vehicles, and their suitability as Moon/Mars pressurized rover simulators in the high Arctic’s extreme environment.
ARB is a leading supplier of 4x4 accessories. The Moon-1 Humvee Rover carries two ARB Bushranger Jack-X inflatable jacks that allow the vehicle to be raised for maintenance work anywhere in the field, including on soft ground. ARB ‘s sound history of quality and convenient products are necessary for the field team while in the extreme conditions of Canada’s Arctic.
Bombardier Recreational Products (BRP)
BRP is a leading manufacturer of motorized recreational vehicles. Two BRP Skandic snowmobiles will be used to support the NWP Drive Expedition, with one Skandic 550F serving as a scout vehicle over treacherous sea-ice and the other serving as logistics snowmobile and back-up scout. BRP has a history of exceptional performance, endurance, and reliability, which Is needed on such a long-range polar expedition.
First Air, the Airline of the North, is Canada’s largest Arctic airline. First Air has been an Official Sponsor of the Haughton-Mars Project since the earliest days of the project and is well known for their excellent safety records, reliability and exceptional knowledge of Canada’s Arctic. A First Air C-130 Hercules transport plane will be used to deliver the Moon-1 Humvee Rover from Yellowknife to Kugluktuk, the starting point of the NWP Drive Expedition. First Air will also be used to transport the NWP Drive Expedition’s field team and cargo across the Arctic.
Mattracks is the inventor and leading manufacturer of off-road all-terrain rubber track conversion systems. Mattracks tracks have been successfully used on the HMP’s Mars- 1 Humvee Rover since 2003. Mattracks is the supplier of the Moon-1 Humvee Rover’s critical track system that will allow the vehicle to travel over sea-ice during the NWP Drive Expedition.
Mountain Hardwear is a leading designer and manufacturer of high performance outdoors gear. Mountain Hardwear has been a supplier of tents on the Haughton-Mars Project since 1998. Mountain Hardwear down sleeping bags, full body suits, and other extreme environment gear will be used during the NWP Drive Expedition.
The Musk Foundation awards grants in support of research in human space exploration, renewable energies, and science and engineering education. Research, education, and public outreach activities on the NWP Drive Expedition are supported in part by the Musk Foundation.
Pull-Pal is a world leading designer and manufacturer of anchoring systems for all-terrain vehicles. The HMP’s Mars-1 and Moon-1 Humvee Rovers are both equipped with a Pull-Pal RW14,000 anchor. Pull-Pal anchors are necessary when exploring the extreme terrain of the High Arctic because of their exceptional ease of use, effectiveness, and reliability.
RTL Robinson is a leading transportation and logistics company in the North. RTL Robinson was used for critical transportation and logistics support to the NWP Drive Expedition. RTL Robinson is known for their exceptional transportation expediency, reliability, and security, which is of extreme importance for the NWP expedition’s supplies.
Sorel is a leading designer and manufacturer of high-performance cold-weather footwear. The NWP Drive Expedition team will be wearing Sorel Intrepid Explorer and Intrepid Expedition boots and liners. Sorel boots are known for their safety, warmth, dryness, and comfort and are a necessity in the extreme environment of the polar regions.
SpaceRef Interactive is an international internet content and database firm specializing in scientific and technical websites, in particular on space exploration. SpaceRef Interactive has been an Official Sponsor of the HMP since 2002. The NWP Drive Expedition’s education and public outreach activities are supported in part by SpaceRef Interactive.
For over 30 years Pelican Signs in Santa Clara, CA. have worked with businesses of all types to help create the signage that reflects their products or services. Pelican Signs has made the high quality logo decals placed on the Moon-1. The highest quality signs are needed in the extreme environments of Canada’s Arctic.
Freshly Made, All Natural Chocolate, Handcrafted in Vancouver , B.C. The Schokolade Café has kindly offered to supply the NWP Expedition some natural handmade chocolate to warm them while on the ice.
