Mars Exploration Rovers Entry, Descent, Landing and Deployment

Mars Mission Landing Sites

The navigation platform separates from the MER spacecraft in this simulated image.

A simulated image of the MER spacecraft as it enters the Martian atmosphere.

The MER spacecraft is protected by a heat shield as it speeds through the Martian atmosphere. Aerodynamic forces will slow it to twice the speed of sound.

A simulated image of the MER spacecraft as it descends over the Valles Marineras canyon system on Mars.

A simulated image of the MER vehicle as it descends to the Martian surface.

A thousand feet above the surface of Mars, a cluster of airbags inflate around the MER vehicle.

A simulated image of the MER spacecraft as a supersonic parachute slows its descent to the Martian surface.

Airbags provide a protective cushion for impact with the Martian surface.

1000 FT Kills downward velocity Free fall

MER Deployment Entire deployment process takes five sols (Mars’ days). Scientists and engineers on Earth want to make sure each step is successfully completed before moving on to the next to avoid complications that might arise due to the angle of the Lander, the abundance of rocks in the landing area, or other environmental issues. After the camera mast, antennas, wheels and solar arrays are deployed, the rover will send its first radio transmission to Earth.

In this simulated image, the Lander structure has opened and the rover is still tightly folded.

Each step of rover deployment is carefully monitored by scientists and engineers on Earth. In this simulated image, the rover's front wheels have yet to be deployed.

In this simulated image, rover deployment is complete. Scientists and engineers can begin to command the rover.

A simulated image of the new Mars rover carrying the science payload.

The rovers are solar powered, so they can only operate during the Martian day time. They will sleep during the Martian night.

MER Landing Sites MER Opportunity Landing Site MER Spirit Landing Site

Some scientists believe Mars craters may have served as beds for ancient lakes. An interesting feature of the Gusev Crater is the large channel that enters it from the south. This may have been a source of water that produced a large lake within the crater. Gusev Crater (GC) - MER Spirit Landing Site

"Hematite" is an iron-based mineral (iron oxide) that forms as a result of hydrothermal (water + heat) processes. The presence of hematite usually (but not always) indicates a history of water activity. Mars Global Surveyor data shows the Meridiani Planum site to be rich in hematite deposits. Meridiani Planum (MP) - MER Opportunity Landing Site

The Deep Space Network transmits and receives Mars rover radio signals through large dish antennas at three sites around the world: California's Mojave Desert Madrid, Spain Canberra, Australia They are spaced approximately one-third of the way around the Earth from each other so that one facility is always facing in the right direction as our planet rotates. The Mars Rovers Communicate with Earth Via a Network of Dish Antennas View of the 70m antenna and the 34m antennas at the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex in Australia.