JPL to Present Preview of Next Mars Landing This Week

(Above) Artist concept of Mars Science Laboratory.

Two free public programs in Pasadena this week will explain why previous methods of landing on Mars would not work for the next Mars rover and will describe how engineers developed a new sky-crane system for this mission, NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory.

Tom Rivellini of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, will present illustrated talks about Mars landing methods on Thursday, Aug. 20, at JPL, with a live webcast, and on Friday, Aug. 21, at Pasadena City College. Both lectures will begin at 7 p.m. PDT.

Rivellini is one of JPL’s principal mechanical engineers for spacecraft descent and landing systems.

In 2012, the Mars Science Laboratory mission’s rover, Curiosity, will use a heat shield and parachute for initial phases of its descent through the Martian atmosphere. Then a rocket-powered descent stage will slow almost to a hover and unspool a tether, lowering the rover directly onto the surface.

For information on how to view the live webcast on Thursday and to see an archived video later, visit http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/events/lectures.cfm?year=2009&month=8