Mars Science Laboratory Meets its Match in Florida

At the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center

At the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, the "back shell powered descent vehicle" configuration, containing NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, is being placed on the spacecraft’s heat shield. Image Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech


October 05, 2011

In preparation for launch later this year, the "back shell powered descent vehicle" configuration containing NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory rover, Curiosity, has been placed on the spacecraft’s heat shield.

The matchup was performed by technicians at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

Related Stories
Physics / Astronomy
Research team's work may lead to breakthrough in microchip technology - 24.05Research team's work may lead to breakthrough in microchip technology
Nanoparticles Seen as Artificial Atoms - 24.05Nanoparticles Seen as Artificial Atoms
First Direct Observation of Oriented Attachment in Nanocrystal GrowthFirst Direct Observation of Oriented Attachment in Nanocrystal Growth - 24.05
Exotic particles, chilled and trapped, form giant matter wave - 24.05
Folding light: Wrinkles and twists boost power from solar panels - 24.05Folding light: Wrinkles and twists boost power from solar panels
Lying in Wait for WIMPs - 23.05Lying in Wait for WIMPs
The heat shield and the spacecraft’s back shell form an aeroshell that encapsulates and protects the rover from the intense heat it will experience during the final leg of the trip to Mars-the friction-filled descent through the Martian atmosphere.

The mission is scheduled for launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station during the period from Nov. 25 to Dec. 18. Arrival at Gale Crater on Mars is expected in August 2012.

After arrival, the Curiosity rover will investigate whether the landing region has had environmental conditions favorable for supporting microbial life and favorable for preserving clues about whether life existed.

The Jet Propulsion Laboratory, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, manages the Mars Science Laboratory mission for the NASA Science Mission Directorate, Washington.