Curiosity, a one-ton rover headed straight for Mars, is scheduled to land on the red planet in early August. “The landing will mark the beginning of a two-year prime mission to investigate whether one of the most intriguing places on Mars ever offered an environment favorable for microbial life,” according to NASA.
Here’s an intense video explaining the challenges of landing the car-sized rover on Mars. (On a scale of one to 10, NASA said landing on the planet is a 20!) In seven minutes time, the rover has to go from 13,000-miles-per-hour to zero.
The whole scenario seems impossible! I can’t believe scientists can actually do this. Good luck, Curiosity. Go get ’em!
Just in case you were wondering about previous missions to Mars, here’s a great infographic I posted on Twitter yesterday. Follow me @LM_Ortiz
Source SPACE.com: All about our solar system, outer space and exploration
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