time a series of mechanisms would
deploy, including a parachute,
landing rockets, and a hovering sky
crane, culminating with (I hoped) a
gentle touchdown on the surface of
Mars. My part in this cosmic drama
would play out last.
It would take about 14 minutes
for the probe’s radio transmission
signals to reach Earth, which meant
that as we received confirmation
that it had entered the Martian
atmosphere, it would actually
already have been on the planet’s
surface for at least 7 minutes. The
question would remain: in how
many pieces?
“We are now processing data
from Odyssey”, a voice crackled out
of my speakers. NASA technicians
were reporting from the Jet
Propulsion Laboratory control room
in Pasadena.
“Parachute deployed,” another
voice intoned. Some minutes later,
“We are in powered flight.” Odyssey
was now in powered controlled
descent. My bacon was now in
the pan. The emotionless voice
continued to relay telemetry as it
was received. “40 meters altitude,
sky crane is started…”
Brief, tentative applause ensued.
“Descending at about .75 meters
per second, as expected… expecting
final touch shortly…”
The color began returning to my
knuckles. It hadn’t crashed… yet. If
my part of the payload was doing its
job, the sky crane would now gently
deposit Curiosity on the surface.
Several incredibly long seconds
passed.
“Touch is good,” came the voice
again. “Touchdown confirmed.”
The control room at JPL exploded
with excited cheers and applause,
as whooping NASA engineers
celebrated their success.
There was now more than a
hint of emotion in the hitherto
passionless voice from JPL. “Let’s
see where curiosity will take us!”
At 1:32 AM on August 6, 2012, I
witnessed the successful landing of
Curiosity on the surface of MARS. My
part of the mission had reached an
enormously successful conclusion.
Curiosity would embark upon its
planned 23 month mission, taking
samples and photographs on the
surface, to determine the potential
for life on this planet.
Now, some 12 months later, the
Rover continues to provide valuable
information on its mission.
Curiosity Continued...
Curiosity touches down on
Mars after being lowered by
its Sky Crane.
Weekdays at 1:10 PM
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