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The major components of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft, consisting of the cruise stage atop the aeroshell, with the descent stage and rover inside. The components have undergone several weeks of systems testing together, including simulation of launch vibrations and deep-space environmental conditions. (NASA/JPL-Caltech) |
This portion of the Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft, called the cruise stage, will do its work during the flight between Earth and Mars after launch in the fall of 2011. (NASA/JPL-Caltech) |
The descent stage, carrying the Mars Science Laboratory underneath it, will provide rocket-powered deceleration as it approaches the surface of Mars. When it nears the surface, it will lower the MSL rover on a bridle the rest of the way to the ground. (NASA/JPL-Caltech) |
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Separation Anxiety: Targeting a Smooth Landing on a Rough Surface
Mars Science Laboratory
The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), slated to begin its journey to Mars in fall 2011, will join twin rovers Spirit and Opportunity on Mars. It too will seek out evidence of water, and therefore the possibility of life, on the red planet.
Aerospace is performing the mechanical separation analysis for the many events that must occur during Mars entry, descent, and landing. Aerospace performed avionics board-level analysis and helped troubleshoot mechanical actuator design problems with the MSL mission.
Like the twin rovers that landed on Mars in early 2004, the MSL will be packed inside a cruise stage and protected by a heat shield during its travels. But unlike the two Mars Exploration Rovers that were cushioned in airbags as they descended onto Mars, MSL will use a unique skycrane landing system. The skycrane will use a propulsion descent stage carrier that will place the MSL rover on the surface of Mars without the use of a conventional legged lander or airbag landing system.
This is how it works: The skycrane, with the MSL lander stowed beneath it, is released from the backshell of the Mars Entry System after aeroshell separation. The system then free-falls for a short time before the skycrane descent engines are ignited. During the powered descent, an onboard navigation system, and descent and hazard avoidance radar are used to guide the vehicle to a safe landing location. As the skycrane approaches the landing location, the rover is released and lowered to the surface on a bridle. Once the rover is safely on the surface, with the skycrane hovering above, the bridle is cut and the skycrane diverts to a safe impact location, leaving the rover, which is about the size of a Mini Cooper, ready to start operations on the surface of Mars.
