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Mars Science Laboratory and our two friends

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  • 31-01-2010 4:09am
    #1
    Hauk
    Registered Users Posts: 588 ✭✭✭


    Hey guys,

    I wanted to open a discussion about the Mars Science Laboratory. The MSL has been destined for launch in 2011, and if you are as interested as I am in space science, the new 'sky crane' delivery method is intruiging.

    It's powered by an RTG, and I hope it does it does as much work(or even more!) as our two little buddies on Mars.

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xqqBy7C8gyU


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    #2
    lord lucan
    Registered Users Posts: 9,576 ✭✭✭lord lucan


    Great video. The method of entry and landing seems a bit risky though. The failure of the chute or RCS jets would send the lander crashing into the martian surface. I know these things are checked a 1000 times over but it would be a worry for me.


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    #3
    djhaxman
    Registered Users Posts: 1,351 ✭✭✭djhaxman


    Good video but do we not already know what the chemical composition of the rocks on Mars is?

    I'd rather see them drill as far down as they possibly could to see could they find liquid water, and with that the possibility of life.

    I guess that would take a bigger rover though.


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    #4
    Beeker
    Moderators, Science, Health & Environment Moderators Posts: 3,645 Mod ✭✭✭✭Beeker


    Looking forward to this flight. Great landing system system ok, sure hope it works:)


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    #5
    Kevster
    Closed Accounts Posts: 2,980 ✭✭✭Kevster


    It's quite amazing to think that there is so much machinery alreaady on and around Mars. We've done quite a lot over the past two or so decades, don't you agree? I've ben looking for to the MSL, however, ever since I first heard about it's proposal years ago.

    Kevin


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