Curiosity Approaching Mars, Artist's Concept Target Name:   Mars Spacecraft:   Mars Science Laboratory Produced by:   NASA/JPL-Caltech Copyright:  NASA Copyright Free Policy Cross Reference:   PIA14832 Date Released:  2012-09-27

• Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity)

This is an artist's concept of NASA's Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft approaching Mars.

The Curiosity rover is safely tucked inside the spacecraft's aeroshell. The mission's approach phase begins 45 minutes before the spacecraft enters the Martian atmosphere. It lasts until the spacecraft enters the atmosphere. For navigation purposes, the atmospheric entry point is (2,188 miles (3,522 kilometers) above the center of the planet. This illustration depicts a scene after the spacecraft's cruise stage has been jettisoned, which will occur 10 minutes before atmospheric entry.

NASA launched the Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft from Cape Canaveral on November 26, 2011. The rover landed on Mars August 6, 2012. In a prime mission lasting one Martian year (nearly two Earth years) researchers will use the rover's tools to study whether the landing region has had environmental conditions favorable for supporting microbial life and for preserving clues about whether life existed.