Mars Science Laboratory: The Mission


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		Summary
		Cruise Configuration
		Entry, Descent, and Landing Configuration
		Surface Operations Configuration
		Rover
		Instruments
		Sample Cache

Spacecraft: Entry, Descent, and Landing Configuration

This artist's concept shows how the cruise stage de-spins outside the martian atmosphere, turns to entry position, suffers peak heating just after entry, then peak deceleration, before deploying a parachute.

Mars Science Laboratory will use a bold, new landing system. The spacecraft's descent into the martian atmosphere will be guided by small rockets on its way toward the surface.

In this artist's concept, the entry, descent and landing system for Mars Science Laboratory is drawn out from the time the spacecraft's parachute deploys until the rover reaches the martian surface. The cartoon-like sequence begins with the parachute deployed and slowing the spacecraft. Next, a series of separations occur and then rockets fire to guide the craft safely to the surface. Next the backshell (with the parachute) separates and then we only see the rover hovering, controlled by rockets. The rover then separates from its sky crane landing system (the operates much like a crane on Earth). Finally, the crane lowers the rover to the surface and it is ready to begin its mission.

Like Viking, Pathfinder and the Mars Exploration Rovers, Mars Science Laboratory will be slowed by a large parachute. As the spacecraft loses speed, rockets will fire again, controlling the spacecraft's descent until the rover separates from its final delivery system, the sky crane. Like a large crane on Earth, the sky crane touchdown system will lower the rover to a "soft landing" -wheels down-on the surface of Mars, ready to begin its mission.