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CURIOSITY Antoine Henderson Fiona Ward
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Launch and Landing Launched: November 26, 2011 Cape Canaveral, Florida Landed: August 6, 2012 August 6, 2012 Aeolis Palus, Gale Crater
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Objectives Biological Determine the nature and inventory of organic carbon compounds. Inventory the chemical building blocks of life. Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorous, Sulfur Identify features that may represent the effects of biological processes. Geological and Geochemical Investigate the chemical, isotopic, and mineralogical composition of the Martian surface and near-surface geological materials. Interpret the processes that have formed and modified rocks and soils.
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Objectives Planetary Processes Assess long-timescale atmospheric evolution processes. Determine present state, distribution, and cycling of water and carbon dioxide. Surface Radiation Characterize the broad spectrum of surface radiation, including galactic cosmic radiation, solar proton events, and secondary neutrons.
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Goals Determine Possibility of Ancient Life on Mars Conditions Needed for Life to Thrive Looking for Life Signs Characterize the Climate of Mars What's the Martian Climate Like Today? What Can the Current Climate on Mars Reveal about the Past? Characterize the Geology of Mars The Magnetism of Mars Gives Clues to the Planet's Interior and More Rocks on Mars Can Tell Us About the Planet's History and Its Potential for Harboring Life Prepare for Human Exploration Astronaut Safety in the Hostile Martian Environment Robotic Spacecraft Will Pave the Way for Human Exploration of Mars
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Technology Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) Mass: 899kg 2.9m x 2.7m x 2.2m Power Source: Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator (RTG) Computers: Rover Computer Element (RCE) Robotic arm Communications: X band transmitter and receiver, UHF Electra-Lite software-defined radio Mobility: Rocker-Bogie system 17 cameras: HazCams (8), NavCams (4), MastCams (2), MAHLI (1), MARDI (1), and ChemCam (1).
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Accomplishments Atmospheric Composition Mars has no traces of Methane. Rock Samples Discovery of Streambed Gravel Evidence of Flowing Water Curiosity Identifies Traces of: Sulfur Nitrogen Hydrogen Oxygen Phosphorous Carbon Ancient Streambed
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