Astronomy: Of The Rover Curiosity's Mission To Mars

- When the rocket is launched, and is put in course, constant trajectory checks and corrections must be made so that the rover lands in the correct spot at the correct time- Sattellite signals must frequently be sent back and forth to determine the distance and motion of space junk that may affect course- Speed, energy, and altitude statuses must be checked to prevent failures, throughout the mission, not just while in course to land- No Oxygen on Mars

Astronomy

of The Rover Curiosity's Mission to Mars

An Animation of Curiosity's Mission on Mars

The 'Sky Crane' assists Curiosity in Landing

The Gale Crater; the circled area inside this massive crater is the Landing Spot for the Rover

There have been no bodies of water discovered on the surface of Mars, so the landing of the rover must be done differently than rockets landing on Earth. In order to land a rover on Mars without it being destroyed with strong contact to the ground, is to have a crane or some type of air transport to set it down gently and upright(image below- the 'Sky Crane';a flying transport for Curiosity).There have also been other methods tested like putting an inflated shield type container for the rover, so that when it hit the ground it wouldnt fall apart.

Curiosity takes a selfie with a stunning mars scene behind him

By: Riley M.