A Landing On Mars
Explanation:
On
July 4th, 1997 -
using its own array of fireworks, a parachute, and airbags - the
Mars Pathfinder spacecraft successfully
came to rest on the surface of Mars at 10:07 AM Pacific Daylight Time.
Ninety minutes before reaching the surface
Pathfinder
began a
flurry of activity.
The robot spacecraft
vented cooling fluid,
jettisoned its cruise stage,
decelerated at 20 gees on atmospheric entry,
deployed a 24 foot parachute,
jettisoned its heat shield,
slid down a 60 foot bridle,
fired solid fuel braking rockets,
deployed a cocoon of airbags,
separated from the bridle,
impacted the martian surface,
bounced a few times (traveling about 300 - 600 feet between bounces),
settled on the surface,
deflated the airbags,
and righted itself,
all under the autonomous
control of the onboard computer.
Above is a mosaic of images
transmitted shortly after Pathfinder reestablished communication with
its operators on Earth.
The solar powered, two foot long, 25 pound Mars
Sojourner
robot rover is visible crouched on
the unfolded spacecraft.
Beyond lie deflated airbags,
rock-strewn
terrain,
distant hills, and a dusty brown
martian sky.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.