M2K4 Roaming the Red Planet -Challenges
Home
Why Mars
MER Rovers
Challenges
Multimedia
Explore Mars
Mars Trivia
Drive the Rover
Mars is right next door to Earth, but it isn't very neighborly. Two-thirds of all international missions have failed, but an undaunted human spirit and hard work keep us on a path to explore Mars - a world so much like our own, but much more hostile and inviting. In this Challenges of Getting to Mars Web series, Mars Exploration Rover team members describe the challenges of getting to Mars and maneuvering on the surface once the rovers are there.
Pre-Launch
After scientists plan the mission, test the equipment and pick the landing sites, the spacecraft are shipped to Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida for launch. See the video.
Launch
Each rover is lofted into orbit by a three-stage Delta II rocket. After about 40 minutes, the third stage burns out and falls away, exposing and releasing the spacecraft's cruise stage on its journey to Mars. See the video.
Cruise
During the first few months of the journey, mission controllers make course adjustments, monitor the spacecraft's health, and spin it to keep its antenna and solar panels correctly positioned. See the video.
Approach
In the final 45 days before landing, engineers make final course corrections, start up landing software and adjust their schedules to "Mars time" (the Martian day is about 40 minutes longer than an Earth day). See the video.
Entry and Descent
After hitting the Martian atmosphere at 12,000mph, an aeroshell, a parachute and retro-rockets bring the spacecraft to a near standstill during a harrowing six minute drop to the surface. See the video.
Landing
Airbags must be strong enough to cushion the spacecraft if it lands on rough terrain. To add to the complexity, the airbags must be inflated seconds before touchdown and deflated once safely on the ground. See the video.
Rover Technology
The rovers will travel across the Martian surface looking for interesting rocks
and soils to examine. The Sun provides enough power for driving during a four-hour
window around high noon. They could travel dozens of yards per day, depending
on what "goodies" Mars offers. See the video.