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EDL-1 Update: MSL on Trajectory and in final EDL Configuration |
August 5, 2012 |
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With less than 24 hours to go to landing, the MSL Spacecraft has been placed in its final configuration for Entry, Descent & Landing requiring no more commanding from Earth.
As events were progressing as part of EDL-2 and EDL-1 Operations, MSL began pre-heating its eight Mars Landing Engine's catalyst beds in preparation for ignition during EDL. Pre-heating has been reported to be proceeding nominally. The final ground commanded operation took place early UTC on August 5, 2012 with the the final reconfiguration of Rover Compute Element B activating the Entry Backup Software package for use in the unlikely event the RCE-A, the primary Computer, encounters a failure during EDL. In case the primary Flight Computer encounters a problem during EDL and resets itself, RCE-B will immediately take control over the vehicle and switch to primary mode using a stripped-down version of the Entry, Descent and Landing software to finish the task. |
EDL Trajectory Map
Image: NASA/JPL
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With that, MSL does not require any more commands from Earth prior to Entry, Descent and Landing. There is one more placeholder for an update of the on-board navigation data. The vehicle needs accurate data of its position at Entry Interface that is being calculated by using Tracking Data from the Deep Space Network. This data will then be modified during Entry, Descent and Landing by using data from the two Inertial Measurement Units of the Descent Stage to pin-point the landing ellipse. This final navigation update is scheduled for EDL-2 hours and will only be conducted in case the on-board state differs from Tracking Data. "During the hours that we have left here before the landing, the flight team will remain vigilant, monitoring and assessing the health of the spacecraft and tracking its trajectory and preparing any necessary changes to guidance and entry parameters," said Doug McCuistion, director of Mars exploration at NASA HQ.
"Excitement is building while the team is diligently monitoring the spacecraft," said Mission Manager Brian Portock of JPL. "It's natural to get anxious before a big event, but we believe we are very well prepared."
With MSL now ready for Entry, the Mission Team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California can only watch and hope for the best and be in readiness for any eventualities that could emerge when MSL is on the surface.
All Mars Orbiters that will support MSL EDL Communications have finished Preparations and are reported to be in good condition for EDL. "We are expecting Odyssey to relay good news," said Steve Sell of the JPL engineering team that developed and tested the mission's complicated "sky crane" landing system. "That moment has been more than eight years in the making."
Today marks day 253 of the MSL Mission, day 44 of the Mars Approach Phase and the 8th day of Final Approach. MSL remains in good condition with its Cruise Stage Medium Gain Antenna pointed off Earth by one degree, but still providing relatively fast and stable communications. The MGA is pointed 37 degrees off the Sun. All Ground Support Systems are in readiness including the Mission Control Center and all the Tracking Stations in Australia that will receive all signal during EDL. The spacecraft and its systems are performing nominally: temperatures and pressures are nominal. The weather on Mars is predicted to be very favorable for EDL. There are some Ice Clouds in the atmosphere meaning that the Martian Atmosphere is cold and of higher density which is favorable for EDL.
Our next Mission Update will be posted when needed. Please refer to the Live Coverage Page for live video and updates and our MSL Twitter Feed for the latest news in real time.
Spaceflight101 Resources for EDL:
Landing Special
EDL Timeline and Key Events Timelines for different time zones
EDL Communications and initial Surface Ops Communications
"Excitement is building while the team is diligently monitoring the spacecraft," said Mission Manager Brian Portock of JPL. "It's natural to get anxious before a big event, but we believe we are very well prepared."
With MSL now ready for Entry, the Mission Team at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California can only watch and hope for the best and be in readiness for any eventualities that could emerge when MSL is on the surface.
All Mars Orbiters that will support MSL EDL Communications have finished Preparations and are reported to be in good condition for EDL. "We are expecting Odyssey to relay good news," said Steve Sell of the JPL engineering team that developed and tested the mission's complicated "sky crane" landing system. "That moment has been more than eight years in the making."
Today marks day 253 of the MSL Mission, day 44 of the Mars Approach Phase and the 8th day of Final Approach. MSL remains in good condition with its Cruise Stage Medium Gain Antenna pointed off Earth by one degree, but still providing relatively fast and stable communications. The MGA is pointed 37 degrees off the Sun. All Ground Support Systems are in readiness including the Mission Control Center and all the Tracking Stations in Australia that will receive all signal during EDL. The spacecraft and its systems are performing nominally: temperatures and pressures are nominal. The weather on Mars is predicted to be very favorable for EDL. There are some Ice Clouds in the atmosphere meaning that the Martian Atmosphere is cold and of higher density which is favorable for EDL.
Our next Mission Update will be posted when needed. Please refer to the Live Coverage Page for live video and updates and our MSL Twitter Feed for the latest news in real time.
Spaceflight101 Resources for EDL:
Landing Special
EDL Timeline and Key Events Timelines for different time zones
EDL Communications and initial Surface Ops Communications
Current Weather Conditions on Mars
Image: NASA/JPL
EDL-2 Update: MSL on Course and ready for EDL |
August 4, 2012 |
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Mars Science Laboratory Final Approach Operations have been continuing over the past few days and the MSL Spacecraft is operating nominally as it is approaching Entry, Descent and Landing.
"After flying more than eight months and 350 million miles since launch, the Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft is now right on target to fly through the eye of the needle that is our target at the top of the Mars atmosphere," said Mission Manager Arthur Amador of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, California. The Spacecraft is in its autonomous EDL Mode continuing operations according to its timeline. NASA's Deep Space Network Stations are steadily tracking the vehicle using two-way doppler tracking, two-way ranging and Delta Differential One-Way Range Determination (DDOR) to precisely calculate MSL's Trajectory. With the latest data and after the most recent Trajectory Correction Maneuver, TCM-4 on July 29, shows that MSL is going to hit Entry Interface within pre-planned margins, about 910 meters away from the 100% accuracy Entry Interface Target. MSL has a 2.5 by 11.5-Kilometer Window it needs to hit Entry Interface in and the 910-meter error is well within that window. This prompted engineers to cancel Trajectory Correction Maneuver 5 that was tentatively scheduled for EDL-3 Days. One more TCM Placeholder is available at EDL-9 hours, but this will most likely be a 'No Burn' as well. The latest MSL Spacecraft status indicates that all batteries are at 100% charge and ready for EDL. All vehicle temperatures and pressures have been stable and within nominal limits. The vehicle is in its final Pre-EDL Orientation that will be maintained until EI-9 Minutes when the Maneuver to Entry Orientation begins. Vehicle Communications via the Deep Space Network are stable at 2000 bits per second using the Cruise Stage Medium Gain Antenna. One final commanding activity from the ground is coming up early on August 5, GMT. During that activity, the Backup Rover Compute Element (String B) will be configured for EDL enabling it to run the backup EDL Software. In case the primary Flight Computer encounters a problem during EDL and resets itself, RCE-B will immediately take control over the vehicle and switch to primary mode using a stripped-down version of the Entry, Descent and Landing software to finish the task. When this final computer reconfiguration is complete, MSL will be in its final Entry Configuration and not require any additional updates from the ground throughout the Landing Process, however, there is a placeholder at Entry interface -2 hours for the final Navigation Data Update should more refined data be available at that point. |
Current Entry Interface Target Estimation
Image: NASA/JPL
White: Precise Entry Interface Target for 100% Accuracy
Green: Entry Interface Point prior to Trajectory Correction Maneuver 4 Yellow: Latest Entry Interface Point Estimation Orange: Current EI-Estimation loaded into MSL's Computers Distance between Entry Target and latest Estimation: ~910 meters 
Credit: NASA/JPL
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In addition to MSL, the two NASA Orbiters that will be supporting MSL EDL Communications have started their individual timelines of MSL Support Operations. Both, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Mars Odyssey are in position and ready for EDL support. ESA's Mars Express is also in good condition and ready to follow MSL's UHF signal. For more on EDL Communications, please refer to our Landing Special. An independent Article covering all details of EDL Communications and post-EDL Comm Passes will be published on Spaceflight101 later on Saturday.
NASA has also been watching the weather on Mars using images provided by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The team was tracking a dust storm about 1000 Kilometers from the MSL Landing Site which has dissipated and has not been, and is no longer, of concern. Weather at the landing site will be uneventful, providing MSL with nominal and expected conditions during Entry.
As of Saturday, 17:30 GMT, no problems were reported and all teams and systems are in readiness for the final Phase of Final Approach and EDL.
Today, August 4, marks day 252 of the MSL mission and the 43rd of the Mars Approach Day. It is the 7th day of final approach operations.
NASA has also been watching the weather on Mars using images provided by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The team was tracking a dust storm about 1000 Kilometers from the MSL Landing Site which has dissipated and has not been, and is no longer, of concern. Weather at the landing site will be uneventful, providing MSL with nominal and expected conditions during Entry.
As of Saturday, 17:30 GMT, no problems were reported and all teams and systems are in readiness for the final Phase of Final Approach and EDL.
Today, August 4, marks day 252 of the MSL mission and the 43rd of the Mars Approach Day. It is the 7th day of final approach operations.
EDL-4 Update: MSL begins Autonomous EDL Operations Timeline |
August 2, 2012 |
Photo: NASA JPL
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Mars Science Laboratory Final Approach Operations are continuing as planned and the MSL Spacecraft is in good condition and operating nominally.
MSL Tracking by the three Deep Space Network Stations in Canberra, Australia, Goldstone, California and Madrid, Spain, is continuing to precisely calculate the Entry Interface Point of the spacecraft and plan any trajectory correction maneuvers required to reach the desired EI Position. On Monday, July 30, MSL transitioned to its DO_EDL mode of autonomous EDL Operations. The DO_EDL Command for the execution of the EDL Timeline comes at Entry Interface -15 minutes. As part of final approach operations, vehicle systems are being enabled by ground commanding for subsequent autonomous control by the spacecraft. In addition, the spacecraft will be getting more inputs on its precise trajectory over the next few days. Updated Entry, Descent & Landing are based on latest tracking information and data returned by the orbiting spacecraft regarding atmospheric conditions that are a major factor for Parachute Opening and Parachute Descent. Teams conducted a final test of the Descent Stage Controller that is in charge of Descent Stage Control, in particular after Bridle Cut, during the Flyaway Sequence. All 76 pyrotechnic devices that are going to be fired during EDL have been enabled and the spacecraft is now in control of initiating them when appropriate. |
Currently, teams are watching the vehicle's telemetry stream provided via the Cruise Stage Medium Gain Antenna. The MSL spacecraft is in good condition and no technical problems are being worked. Also, all three Mars Orbiters and all ground-based communication assets for EDL and initial surface operations are in readiness for upcoming events. On Friday, there is a placeholder for an optional Trajectory Correction Maneuver. Teams will make a decision on the TCM based on the latest navigation data available.
Current Position
Image: NASA - JPL Solar System Simulator
Today, August 2, marks day 250 of the MSL mission and the 41st of the Mars Approach Day. It is the 5th day of final approach operations.
As of 14:00 GMT on Thursday, August 2, 2012, MSL has completed 559.948 Million Kilometers of its 567-Million Kilometer journey to Mars (347.936 of 352 Million Miles). The MSL Spacecraft is currently at a distance of 1.131 Million Kilometers (702,600 Miles) to Mars traveling at a relative velocity of 12,852 Kilometers per Hour (7,986mph). MSL is 243.9 Million Kilometers (151.5M Miles) from Earth resulting in a communications delay of 13 Minutes and 34 Seconds. On Landing Day, the Communications Delay will be about 13 Minutes and 50 Seconds.
As of 14:00 GMT on Thursday, August 2, 2012, MSL has completed 559.948 Million Kilometers of its 567-Million Kilometer journey to Mars (347.936 of 352 Million Miles). The MSL Spacecraft is currently at a distance of 1.131 Million Kilometers (702,600 Miles) to Mars traveling at a relative velocity of 12,852 Kilometers per Hour (7,986mph). MSL is 243.9 Million Kilometers (151.5M Miles) from Earth resulting in a communications delay of 13 Minutes and 34 Seconds. On Landing Day, the Communications Delay will be about 13 Minutes and 50 Seconds.
EDL-8 Update: MSL performs 4th TCM, enters Final Approach |
July 29, 2012 |
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The Mars Science Laboratory Spacecraft has completed its fourth (and final planned) Trajectory Correction Maneuver of the Mission to fine-tune its flight path as its approaches Mars. The short engine burn took place at around 5:00 GMT on Sunday, July 29. Two brief thruster firings for a total of 7 seconds to change the vehicle's velocity slightly by 1 centimeter per second. This maneuver adjusted the point at which MSL will intercept the Martian Atmosphere on Landing Day by 21 Kilometers. The Entry Interface Point has to be correct in order for MSL to reach the Landing Ellipse. During atmospheric entry, MSL can guide itself to its correct landing target and correct a limited error in the actual Interface Position. A 21-Kilometer offset was enough for the Flight Team to warrant a Trajectory Correction Maneuver. Telemetry and Tracking Data has confirmed that the maneuver was completed successfully.
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Image: NASA/JPL/Caltech
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Deep Space Network Tracking is continuing over the coming days to obtain precise MSL trajectory information that will be used to assess whether another Trajectory Correction Maneuver is needed at EDL-2 Days or EDL-9 Hours to eliminate any lager errors in the vehicle's path towards the Martian Atmosphere. "I will not be surprised if this was our last trajectory correction maneuver," said Tomas Martin-Mur of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif., chief of the mission's navigation team. "We will be monitoring the trajectory using the antennas of the Deep Space Network to be sure Curiosity is staying on the right path for a successful entry, descent and landing."
This maneuver marked the start of MSL's final approach which came three days earlier than the 'formal' EDL-5-Day mark. This gives teams a chance to decompress tight Final Approach Timelines and take enough time to complete the individual operations of final approach. These operations include the final pre-EDL data uplinks to the spacecraft and all remaining vehicle reconfigurations to place it in its final EDL Configuration. Today, July 29, is th 246th day of MSL's Mission, the 37th of the Approach Phase and the first of the Final Approach Phase. With current trajectory knowledge and planned EDL Communication Properties, the earliest Earth-Receive Time of the Landing Signal is expected at 5:31:42 GMT on August 6. The MSL Spacecraft is in good condition and operating nominally, and all EDL Preparations are on track.
This maneuver marked the start of MSL's final approach which came three days earlier than the 'formal' EDL-5-Day mark. This gives teams a chance to decompress tight Final Approach Timelines and take enough time to complete the individual operations of final approach. These operations include the final pre-EDL data uplinks to the spacecraft and all remaining vehicle reconfigurations to place it in its final EDL Configuration. Today, July 29, is th 246th day of MSL's Mission, the 37th of the Approach Phase and the first of the Final Approach Phase. With current trajectory knowledge and planned EDL Communication Properties, the earliest Earth-Receive Time of the Landing Signal is expected at 5:31:42 GMT on August 6. The MSL Spacecraft is in good condition and operating nominally, and all EDL Preparations are on track.
Image: NASA - JPL Solar System Simulator
As of 11:30 GMT on Sunday, July 29, 2012, MSL has completed 552.875 Million Kilometers of its 567-Million Kilometer journey to Mars (343.541 of 352 Million Miles). The MSL Spacecraft is currently at a distance of 2.39 Million Kilometers (1.49 Million Miles) to Mars traveling at a relative velocity of 12,830 Kilometers per Hour (7,974mph). MSL is 238.9 Million Kilometers (148.4M Miles) from Earth resulting in a communications delay of 13 Minutes and 17 Seconds. On Landing Day, the Communications Delay will be about 13 Minutes and 50 Seconds.
EDL-10 Update: MSL configured for Final Approach Phase |
July 27, 2012 |
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The Mars Science Laboratory Flight Team has completed all primary work to configure the spacecraft for its Final Approach Phase. One of the final items that was taken care of was the checkout of MSL's Terminal Descent Sensor to make sure it is properly configured and in working condition since it is a non-redundant system used during the final portion of the vehicle's Entry, Descent & Landing starting with acquisition of TDS data at Heatshield Separation +8 Seconds all the way down to the surface. More information on the Sensor is available on the Descent Stage Overview and Landing Special Pages.
On Thursday, teams had no planned reconfigurations planned for the MSL Vehicle. NASA's Deep Space Network is continuing to track the vehicle and provides exact trajectory data to the teams that are currently planning the final Trajectory Correction Maneuvers of the Approach Phase. Up to three Maneuvers are available to MSL to make precise adjustments of its trajectory. |
Image: NASA/JPL/Caltech
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The first is a planned Trajectory Correction taking place during Final Approach The other two maneuvers are placeholders for Contingency TCMs at EDL-1 day and EDL-9 hours. Data used for navigation analysis includes two-way doppler tracking, two-way ranging and Delta Differential One-Way Range Determination (DDOR). Navigation data is used to precisely calculate the Entry Interface Point of the MSL Vehicle.
Today, July 27, marks day 244 of the MSL Mission and day 35 of the Mars Approach Phase. The 5-day Final approach Phase begins in 5 Days (August 1). MSL is 10 Days away from Landing (GMT). All preparations are continuing on track. All three Mars Orbiters that will be used for EDL Communications Relay are in good condition and continuing with their individual preparations for the event. All three are currently expected to be in position for EDL.
Today, July 27, marks day 244 of the MSL Mission and day 35 of the Mars Approach Phase. The 5-day Final approach Phase begins in 5 Days (August 1). MSL is 10 Days away from Landing (GMT). All preparations are continuing on track. All three Mars Orbiters that will be used for EDL Communications Relay are in good condition and continuing with their individual preparations for the event. All three are currently expected to be in position for EDL.
Current Position - View from Earth
Image: NASA - JPL Solar System Simulator
As of 19:45 GMT on Friday, July 27, 2012, MSL has completed 549.835 Million Kilometers of its 567-Million Kilometer journey to Mars (341.652 of 352 Million Miles). The MSL Spacecraft is currently at a distance of 2.90 Million Kilometers (1.81 Million Miles) to Mars traveling at a relative velocity of 12,831 Kilometers per Hour (7,973mph). MSL is 236.9 Million Kilometers (147.2M Miles) from Earth resulting in a communications delay of 13 Minutes and 10 Seconds. On Landing Day, the Communications Delay will be about 13 Minutes and 50 Seconds.
EDL-12 Update: Odyssey performs Maneuver to Track MSL during EDL
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July 25, 2012
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The Mars Science Laboratory is continuing Approach Phase Operations as its big day gets closer. Today, July 25, marks Day 242 of the MSL Mission that has entered the Mars Approach Phase 33 Days ago and transitions to its Final Approach Phase on August 1, at EDL-5.
NASA’s Deep Space Network Stations in Canberra, Australia, Goldstone, California and Madrid, Spain, have increased tracking of MSL as planned for the final days of the Approach and Final Approach Phases to provide precise trajectory data so that upcoming Trajectory Correction Maneuvers can be planned. These maneuvers are performed to target the exact Entry Interface point that needs to be hit for a pin-point landing at Gale Crater. Data used for navigation analysis includes two-way doppler tracking, two-way ranging and Delta Differential One-Way Range Determination (DDOR). Navigation data is used to precisely calculate the Entry Interface Point of the MSL Vehicle. Tracking will continue until shortly before landing to make sure the spacecraft has correct navigation data loaded into its computers for EDL.
On Monday. July 23, the two Inertial Measurement Units of the Descent Stage and other EDL Guidance Parameters were configured for landing. The Inertial Measurement Units are the primary source of navigation data from Cruise Stage Separation until Heat Shield Separation +8 Seconds when the Terminal Descent Sensor acquires the ground to provide exact altitude and velocity data. The IMUs will be active until touchdown to provide attitude data to the vehicle’s computers. Also on Monday, updated trajectory data was uplinked to the spacecraft.
NASA’s Deep Space Network Stations in Canberra, Australia, Goldstone, California and Madrid, Spain, have increased tracking of MSL as planned for the final days of the Approach and Final Approach Phases to provide precise trajectory data so that upcoming Trajectory Correction Maneuvers can be planned. These maneuvers are performed to target the exact Entry Interface point that needs to be hit for a pin-point landing at Gale Crater. Data used for navigation analysis includes two-way doppler tracking, two-way ranging and Delta Differential One-Way Range Determination (DDOR). Navigation data is used to precisely calculate the Entry Interface Point of the MSL Vehicle. Tracking will continue until shortly before landing to make sure the spacecraft has correct navigation data loaded into its computers for EDL.
On Monday. July 23, the two Inertial Measurement Units of the Descent Stage and other EDL Guidance Parameters were configured for landing. The Inertial Measurement Units are the primary source of navigation data from Cruise Stage Separation until Heat Shield Separation +8 Seconds when the Terminal Descent Sensor acquires the ground to provide exact altitude and velocity data. The IMUs will be active until touchdown to provide attitude data to the vehicle’s computers. Also on Monday, updated trajectory data was uplinked to the spacecraft.
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On Tuesday, MSL Battery Charging got underway using power generated by the Cruise Stage Solar Panels. The batteries are brought up to 100% capacity after being maintained at 70% during the Cruise Phase of the flight. Each battery has a capacity of about 42 amp-hours and the batteries are used during periods of increased power demand such as EDL.
Also on Tuesday, the Mars Odyssey Orbiter completed a six-second thruster burn to move back into position for MSL EDL. Early in June, Odyssey entered Safe Mode because its onboard computers detected a problem with one of the vehicle's reaction wheels that are used for attitude control. As a result, Odyssey's orbit changed slightly before teams were able to recover the vehicle from safe mode. On July 11, Odyssey transitioned to safe mode again after a thruster burn put a high demand on the reaction wheel for attitude stabilization during the maneuver. The orbiter was recovered once again and is now using its spare reaction wheel, but due to these periods spent is safe mode pointing at Earth, the spacecraft moved slightly out of position which would have caused Odyssey to pass over the MSL Landing Site two minutes after touchdown instead of its nominal Comm Pass during Entry, Descent and Landing. The maneuver performed on Tuesday changed Odyssey’s Orbit so that it can provide nominal EDL communication support. |
Image: NASA/JPL
Mars Odyssey
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"Information we are receiving indicates the maneuver has completed as planned," said Mars Odyssey Project Manager Gaylon McSmith of NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. "Odyssey has been working at Mars longer than any other spacecraft, so it is appropriate that it has a special role in supporting the newest arrival."Among Odyssey, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and ESA’s Mars Express Spacecraft will be tasked with data relay procedures during the EDL portion of the MSL Mission. MRO and Mars Express only have a recording capability and will be recording the 8kbps UHF Telemetry Stream of the MSL Spacecraft that is being transmitted during EDL.
Image: ESA
Mars Express and MSL in Cruise Configuration
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Odyssey will be able to provide bent-pipe communications during EDL, relaying the UHF Telemetry Stream to Earth in nearly real-time. Also available during EDL are Direct to Earth Communications via X-Band Tones, however, Earth will set at the landing site at at the point of Parachute Deployment meaning the MFSK Tones will only be available until that point in the EDL sequence. Without direct UHF relay, there would be no ‘real-time’ monitoring capability. The presence of UHF telemetry will allow controllers to monitor the vehicle and provide a real-time visualization of the activities occurring at Mars. With Odyssey back in place, confirmation of a successful landing should be available shortly after touchdown – pending unfavorable communication characteristics such as structural blockages due to terrain. On landing day, Odyssey will have another Comm Pass about 2 hours after landing, Mars Express will transmit the stored UHF telemetry at EDL+1 to 2 Hours and MRO will send its signal back to Earth about 4 hours after the landing.
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For a complete MSL Entry, Descent & Landing Overview and more information about the EDL Communications Infrastructure, visit our MSL Landing Special that features detailed descriptions of all EDL Phases and technical aspects of the maneuver - with timelines, animations and diagrams.
Image: NASA - JPL Solar System Simulator
As of 17:00 GMT on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, MSL has completed 545.508 Million Kilometers of its 567-Million Kilometer journey to Mars (338.963 of 352 Million Miles). The MSL Spacecraft is currently at a distance of 3.56 Million Kilometers (2.21 Million Miles) to Mars traveling at a relative velocity of 12,833 Kilometers per Hour (7,974mph). MSL is 234.2 Million Kilometers (145.5M Miles) from Earth resulting in a communications delay of 13 Minutes and 1 Second. On Landing Day, the Communications Delay will be about 13 Minutes and 50 Seconds.
EDL-16 Update: MSL completes Flight Computer Reconfigurations |
July 21, 2012 |
Image: NASA
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Mars Science Laboratory Approach Phase Operations are continuing as planned and ahead of schedule. MSL is now 238 days into its mission and landing at Gale Crater on Mars is 15 days away. The Approach Phase started 30 days ago and Final Approach starts in 10 days to set the stage for Entry, Descent and Landing on August 6 (GMT).
Over the course of the week of July 16, the MSL Spacecraft completed a set of operations to configure its computers for EDL. For that, Main Compute Element B which was in backup mode for the Cruise Phase, underwent a cold reset which is a reboot or power cycle, resetting the computer to a predictable, default state. This was done while the computer was online, but in backup mode not operating any of the vehicle's systems. After being powered up again, updated Entry, Descent and Landing Data was loaded into the Computer. |
Later, the prime Rover Computer Element was switched to backup mode while the other computer was placed in primary mode controlling the vehicle. The second Rover Computer Element was cold reset and received its set of EDL Data. Until July 19, Rover Compute Element B was provided with updated EDL Data and Initial Surface Operation Sequences. When that was complete, RCE-B returned to backup mode and RCE-A assumed primary control over the vehicle again and received its set of data. On Friday, July 20, MSL underwent an on-board reconfiguration of its backup EDL software. In case the primary Flight Computer encounters a problem during EDL and resets itself, RCE-B will immediately take control over the vehicle and switch to primary mode using a stripped-down version of the Entry, Descent and Landing software to finish the task. This series of computer reconfigurations was the final major RCE Reconfiguration prior to EDL. Updated data will be sent to MSL until EDL-120 Minutes when the final Trajectory Data is sent to the vehicle.
On Tuesday, MSL performed its 21st Attitude Control Maneuver to keep its Cruise Stage Medium Gain Antenna pointed at Earth for communications. One more attitude maneuver is planned prior to EDL. On Saturday, July 21, NASA's Deep Space Network started two differential ranging track passes to determine MSL's exact trajectory as it approaches Mars and Mars’ gravitational influence on the spacecraft increases. Data used for navigation analysis includes two-way doppler tracking, two-way ranging and Delta Differential One-Way Range Determination (DDOR). Navigation data is used to precisely calculate the Entry Interface Point of the MSL Vehicle. The exact EI Position has to be correct for MSL to reach its landing site.
The MSL Spacecraft continues to operate as planned and landing preparations are on track.
On Tuesday, MSL performed its 21st Attitude Control Maneuver to keep its Cruise Stage Medium Gain Antenna pointed at Earth for communications. One more attitude maneuver is planned prior to EDL. On Saturday, July 21, NASA's Deep Space Network started two differential ranging track passes to determine MSL's exact trajectory as it approaches Mars and Mars’ gravitational influence on the spacecraft increases. Data used for navigation analysis includes two-way doppler tracking, two-way ranging and Delta Differential One-Way Range Determination (DDOR). Navigation data is used to precisely calculate the Entry Interface Point of the MSL Vehicle. The exact EI Position has to be correct for MSL to reach its landing site.
The MSL Spacecraft continues to operate as planned and landing preparations are on track.
Image: NASA - JPL Solar System Simulator
As of 20:30 GMT on Saturday, July 21, 2012, MSL has completed 538.435 Million Kilometers of its 567-Million Kilometer journey to Mars (334.546 of 352 Million Miles). The MSL Spacecraft is currently at a distance of 4.7 Million Kilometers (2.9 Million Miles) to Mars traveling at a relative velocity of 12,844 Kilometers per Hour (7,981mph). MSL is 229.4 Million Kilometers (146.5M Miles) from Earth resulting in a communications delay of 12 Minutes and 45 Seconds. On Landing Day, the Communications Delay will be about 13 Minutes and 50 Seconds.
EDL-20 Update: RAD turned Off in Preparation for Landing |
July 17, 2012 |
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With 20 Days left until Entry, Descent and Landing, the Mars Science Laboratory Spacecraft has continued Approach Phase Operations to set the stage for Curiosity's Landing at Gale Crater which is still targeted for August 6, 2012 at 5:31 GMT (Signal Arrival Time, Landing occurs about 14 Minutes earlier due to the long Communications Delay). The MSL Operations Team has completed the final EDL Simulation earlier in July as a final rehearsal for this high-profile event. On Friday, July 13, the Radiation Assessment Detector (RAD) finished its Cruise Operations. RAD started radiation measurements shortly after launch to examine the Radiation Environment of the long interplanetary cruise to Mars. Future astronauts making this journey will have to be protected from the environment by their spacecraft. RAD was developed and built by the Southwest Research Institute and Christian Albrechts University in Kiel, Germany with funding from NASA and Germany's national aerospace research center (DLR). RAD is hidden deep inside the Spacecraft – tucked in the Curiosity Rover and its Aeroshell which will provide insight about the shielding provided by spacecraft. RAD was configured for surface operations on Friday followed by instrument deactivation for EDL.
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Image: NASA/JPL/Caltech/ASU
MSL - Landing Ellipse
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One item that is currently being worked by teams on the ground is a problem with the Odyssey Orbiter. Odyssey is one of three communication assets that MSL will be using over the course of its mission. Among Odyssey, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and the Mars Express Spacecraft will be tasked with data relay procedures during the MSL mission. Early in June, Odyssey entered its Safe Mode because its onboard computers detected a problem with one of the vehicle's reaction wheels that are used for attitude control. As a result , Odyssey's orbit changed slightly before teams were able to recover the vehicle from safe mode. This could cause Odyssey to be out of position during MSL Entry Descent & Landing which could result in a longer delay of EDL Communications. During EDL, MFSK Tones are available via Direct to Earth X-Band and UHF Data is being sent to MRO and Odyssey. MRO will record the UHF Data Stream and relay it to Ground Stations later while Odyssey was supposed to directly relay the telemetry data. MRO does not have that capability. Teams will be determining whether Odyssey can return to its original Orbital Position in time for EDL over the next several days. On July 11, Odyssey transitioned to safe mode again after a thruster burn put a high demand on the reaction wheel for attitude stabilization during the maneuver. "We are on a cautious path to resume Odyssey's science and relay operations soon," said Gaylon McSmith, Odyssey project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. "We will also be assessing whether another orbit trim maneuver is warranted." Odyssey has a spare reaction wheel. (Also refer to the EDL Communications Section of the Landing Special)
For a complete MSL Entry, Descent & Landing Overview, visit our MSL Landing Special that features detailed descriptions of all EDL Phases and technical aspects of the maneuver - with timelines, animations and diagrams.
For a complete MSL Entry, Descent & Landing Overview, visit our MSL Landing Special that features detailed descriptions of all EDL Phases and technical aspects of the maneuver - with timelines, animations and diagrams.
Current Position - View from Earth
Image: NASA - JPL Solar System Simulator
Today marks day 233 of the MSL Mission. The Spacecraft is currently in its 45-day Mars Approach Phase. The Final Approach Phase begins on August 1 (GMT). Entry, Descent & Landing is just over 20 days away. As of 18:30 GMT on Monday, July 16, 2012, MSL has completed 529.094 Million Kilometers of its 567-Million Kilometer journey to Mars (328.764 of 352 Million Miles). The MSL Spacecraft is currently at a distance of 6.3 Million Kilometers (3.9 Million Miles) to Mars traveling at a relative velocity of 12.880 Kilometers per Hour (8,003mph). MSL is 222.8 Million Kilometers (138.4M Miles) from Earth resulting in a communications delay of 12 Minutes and 23 Seconds. On Landing Day, the Communications Delay will be about 13 Minutes and 50 Seconds.
MSL completes first Approach Phase Trajectory Correction Maneuver
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June 26, 2012
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The Mars
Laboratory Spacecraft made its biggest 'Mars Approach Phase Trajectory
Correction Maneuver' on Tuesday, June 26, 2012.
It actually was the smallest of the MSL Mission so far and used four of MSL’s Thrusters for a period of 40 Seconds to fine-tune its path in order to intercept the Martian Atmosphere at the correct place and time for it to land at the Gale Crater on Mars. The engine firing was completed successfully, taking the vehicle one step closer to landing on Mars on August 6, 2012 at ~5:31 GMT. The maneuver changed the EI or Entry Interface Point in the Martian Atmosphere by about 200 Kilometers (125 Miles) and advances the time of entry by about 70 seconds. "This puts us closer to our entry target, so if any further maneuvers are needed, I expect them to be small," said JPL's Tomas Martin-Mur. "In the next 40 days, the flight team will be laser-focused on the preparations for the challenging events of landing day - continuously tracking the spacecraft's trajectory and monitoring the health and performance of its onboard systems, while using NASA's Deep Space Network to stay in continuous communications. We're in the home stretch now. The spacecraft continues to perform very well. And the flight team is up for the challenge," said Mission Manager Arthur Amador. A total of four more Trajectory Correction Maneuvers are available to the Mission Team to make sure MSL intercepts the Martian Atmosphere at the correct point: At L-8, L-2 and L-1 Days as well as L-9 Hours. At this point, MSL is on track for landing on August 6, 2012. All Systems are performing nominally.
For extensive MSL Background Information, visit our MSL Section.
It actually was the smallest of the MSL Mission so far and used four of MSL’s Thrusters for a period of 40 Seconds to fine-tune its path in order to intercept the Martian Atmosphere at the correct place and time for it to land at the Gale Crater on Mars. The engine firing was completed successfully, taking the vehicle one step closer to landing on Mars on August 6, 2012 at ~5:31 GMT. The maneuver changed the EI or Entry Interface Point in the Martian Atmosphere by about 200 Kilometers (125 Miles) and advances the time of entry by about 70 seconds. "This puts us closer to our entry target, so if any further maneuvers are needed, I expect them to be small," said JPL's Tomas Martin-Mur. "In the next 40 days, the flight team will be laser-focused on the preparations for the challenging events of landing day - continuously tracking the spacecraft's trajectory and monitoring the health and performance of its onboard systems, while using NASA's Deep Space Network to stay in continuous communications. We're in the home stretch now. The spacecraft continues to perform very well. And the flight team is up for the challenge," said Mission Manager Arthur Amador. A total of four more Trajectory Correction Maneuvers are available to the Mission Team to make sure MSL intercepts the Martian Atmosphere at the correct point: At L-8, L-2 and L-1 Days as well as L-9 Hours. At this point, MSL is on track for landing on August 6, 2012. All Systems are performing nominally.
For extensive MSL Background Information, visit our MSL Section.
Current Position
Image: NASA - JPL Solar System Simulator
Mars Science Laboratory enters Mars Approach Mission Phase
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June 22, 2012
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The Mars
Science Laboratory Spacecraft with the Curiosity Rover tucked inside its
Aeroshell and Cruise Stage has entered its Mars Approach Mission Phase on
Friday, June 22, 2012 at 5:31 GMT. The Approach Phase begins at EDL-45 Days and
ends just before MSL reaches the point Entry Interface when MSL will enter the
Martian Atmosphere and perform its Guided Re-Entry and Landing Sequence that
will hopefully end with the operation of the Sky Crane to lower Curiosity
gently to the surface of Mars.
The Mars Approach Phase includes the final set of Trajectory Correction Maneuvers to precisely adjust the path of the vehicle to hit the exact Entry target which carries MSL to its desired landing spot. A planned Trajectory Correction Maneuver will take place on June 26 and three additional TCMs are available to the team in the final seven days leading up to Entry, Descent and Landing. |
Source: NASA/JPL
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These burns will be made to precisely pin-point MSL’s exact Entry Interface
target. Attitude pointing changes will be made when necessary to ensure solid
data communications and proper solar array alignment. A Delta DOR (Delta differential
one-way ranging) measurement
will be made to monitor the spacecraft’s position. At the end of the phase, the
entry software package will be started to enable the autonomous entry sequence.
During the approach phase, Deep Space Network Coverage of the mission will be
increased to get exact trajectory information and enable engineers to develop
more refined trajectory solutions leading up to entry. Making its guided entry,
MSL will constantly adjust its path to Gale Carter targeting a 6.4 by
19.3-Kilometer (4 by 12 Miles) Landing Ellipse.
A Landing Special will be posted in our MSL Section leading up to the big day on August 6. Landing is currently planned to occur at 5:31 GMT, but this time could the adjusted by one or two minutes as the Trajectory can be calculated more accurately as MSL gets closer to Mars and completes its final set of maneuvers.
A Landing Special will be posted in our MSL Section leading up to the big day on August 6. Landing is currently planned to occur at 5:31 GMT, but this time could the adjusted by one or two minutes as the Trajectory can be calculated more accurately as MSL gets closer to Mars and completes its final set of maneuvers.
Current Position
Image: NASA - JPL Solar System Simulator
As of 15:30 GMT on June 22,
2012, MSL has completed 484.424 Million Kilometers of its 567-Million-Kilometer
Journey from Earth to Mars (301.007 Million Miles of 352 Million Miles) which
is the equivalent to 3.24 Astronomical Units. MSL is traveling at a distance of
190.174 Million Kilometers (118.169 Million Miles) to Earth moving at a relative
velocity of 96,298 Kilometers per Hour (59,837 Miles per Hour). One-way
Signal-Travel-Time is 10 Minutes and 34 Seconds. Cruising at a relative
velocity of 13,541kph (8,414mph), MSL is ‘only’ 13.906 Million Kilometers
(8.641 Million Miles) from Mars. Relative to its reference point in the Solar
System, the Sun, MSL was traveling at a relative speed of 77,900kph (48,405mph).
June 22 marks Day 210 of the MSL Mission. With the mission on track and all spacecraft systems in pristine condition,
everything is on track for landing on August 6 marking the beginning of Curiosity’s
Surface Operations.
MSL gearing up for Mars Approach Phase and Landing
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June 11, 2012
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Image: NASA JP/Caltech
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NASA’s Mars
Science Laboratory is on track for landing at the Red Planet’s Gale Crater on
August 6 at 5:31 UTC, officials said in a teleconference on Monday. Curiosity
tucked inside its Aeroshell and Cruise Stage is continuing its trip to Mars and
is now coming up on its next Mission Phase Transition. 45 days before landing –
a little over 10 days from now – the Mission enters its Mars Approach Phase.
Beginning at EDL-45 days, the Mission Phase continues until Landing Day. This
phase includes the final set of Trajectory Correction Maneuvers to precisely
adjust the path of the vehicle to hit the exact Entry target which carries MSL
to its desired landing spot. A planned Trajectory Correction Maneuver will take
place on June 26 and three additional TCMs are available to the team in the
final seven days leading up to Entry, Descent and Landing. These burns will be
made to precisely pin-point MSL’s exact Entry Interface target. Attitude
pointing changes will be made when necessary to ensure solid data communications
and proper solar array alignment. A Delta DOR measurement will be made to
monitor the spacecraft’s position. At the end of the phase, the entry software
package will be started to enable the autonomous entry sequence.
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During the approach phase, Deep Space Network Coverage of the mission will be increased to get exact trajectory information and enable engineers to develop more refined trajectory solutions leading up to entry. Making its guided entry, MSL will constantly adjust its path to Gale Carter targeting a 6.4 by 19.3-Kilometer (4 by 12 Miles) Landing Ellipse.
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This landing area was narrowed down by engineers since MSL has shown a better than expected performance of its Attitude Control System that will be used during entry to precisely adjust the lift of the vehicle as it descends. This has given the team the confidence to further narrow down the landing target moving about 6 Kilometers (4 Miles) closer to Mount Sharp – a primary science target of Curiosity’s Mission. A landing 6 Kilometers closer to this target would eliminate 4 months of traverses across the base of the Crater increasing the time that can be spent with science operations. All software for EDL is already aboard the Spacecraft and the software packages for the early surface mission will be uplinked to MSL next week so that the Rover can start its mission completely autonomously. But before surface operations can begin, MSL has to make a successful Entry, Descent and Landing process which presents significant risks since this is the first time a Rover will make a guided entry followed by a powered descent using a Sky-Crane System.
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Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ESA/DLR/FU Berlin/MSSS
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“There is never a guarantee of success,” said Dave Lavery, MSL program executive stressing that historically, there has only been a 40 percent success rate for Mars Missions showing the level of complexity these missions have with MSL being one of the most complex missions ever. An overview of the MSL Mission Profile is available here. A detailed MSL Landing Special will be on Spaceflight101.com a few weeks before the event.
While MSL was cruising to Mars, teams on Earth were busy with software verifications and testing using rover replicas on Earth that employ systems that are also aboard the Curiosity Rover. A test rover was put through its paces on various sandy slopes at Dumont Dunes in California's Mojave Desert in order to assess the mobility system of Curiosity with respect to driving decisions on windward and downwind portions of dunes on Mars. Also, engineers worked on the software that will be used by Curiosity during surface operations and teams worked on details associated with the operation of MSL’s Sampling System since there were concerns associated with Drill Contaminations leading to issues with the SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars) Instrument. Teams were able to clear many of these concerns and develop work-around procedures to clear this problem with more testing to follow on Earth to give more insight into drill operations. A full overview of MSL’s sampling system is available here. The Ground Team also completed several Operation Readiness Tests simulating the EDL Portion of the Mission as well as nominal surface operations. Also, problems were inserted into the simulations to give the team a chance to rehearse problem-response procedures.
While MSL was cruising to Mars, teams on Earth were busy with software verifications and testing using rover replicas on Earth that employ systems that are also aboard the Curiosity Rover. A test rover was put through its paces on various sandy slopes at Dumont Dunes in California's Mojave Desert in order to assess the mobility system of Curiosity with respect to driving decisions on windward and downwind portions of dunes on Mars. Also, engineers worked on the software that will be used by Curiosity during surface operations and teams worked on details associated with the operation of MSL’s Sampling System since there were concerns associated with Drill Contaminations leading to issues with the SAM (Sample Analysis at Mars) Instrument. Teams were able to clear many of these concerns and develop work-around procedures to clear this problem with more testing to follow on Earth to give more insight into drill operations. A full overview of MSL’s sampling system is available here. The Ground Team also completed several Operation Readiness Tests simulating the EDL Portion of the Mission as well as nominal surface operations. Also, problems were inserted into the simulations to give the team a chance to rehearse problem-response procedures.
Current Position
Photo: NASA - JPL Solar System Simulator
As of 17:00 GMT on June 11, MSL had
completed 463.9 Million Kilometers of its 567-Million Kilometer Journey to Mars
(288.2 Million Miles of 352 Million Miles total). Relative to its reference
point in the Solar System, the Sun, the Spacecraft was traveling at a relative
velocity of 78,780kph (48,952mph). Now cruising at a Distance of 174.8 Million
Kilometers (108.6 Million Miles) to Earth, MSL is speeding at a relative
velocity of 91,036kph (56,657mph). At
17:00 GMT on Monday, the Spacecraft was ‘only’ 0.975 Light Minutes or 17.53
Million Kilometers (10.89 Million Miles) from Mars moving at a relative
velocity of 14,248 Kilometers per Hour (8,853 Miles per Hour). With the mission
on track and all spacecraft systems in pristine condition, everything is on
track for landing on August 6 marking the beginning of Curiosity’s Surface
Operations.
MSL - Position May 29, 2012 - 19:00 GMT
Image: NASA JPL - Solar System Simulator
Distance traveled since Launch: 439.282 Million Kilometers - 272.957 Million Miles - 2.93 Astronomical Units - 24.4 Light Minutes
Current Distance to Earth: 156.5 million Kilometers - 97.2 million Miles - 8.7 Light Minutes
Relative Velocity: 84,877 Kilometers per Hour - 52,742 Miles per Hour
Current Distance to Mars: 22.1 Million Kilometers - 13.7 Million Miles - 1.23 Light Minutes
Relative Velocity: 15,525 Kilometers per Hour - 9,647 Miles per Hour
Current Distance to Earth: 156.5 million Kilometers - 97.2 million Miles - 8.7 Light Minutes
Relative Velocity: 84,877 Kilometers per Hour - 52,742 Miles per Hour
Current Distance to Mars: 22.1 Million Kilometers - 13.7 Million Miles - 1.23 Light Minutes
Relative Velocity: 15,525 Kilometers per Hour - 9,647 Miles per Hour
Under 100 Days to Entry, Descent & Landing
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May 1, 2012
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NASA’s Mars
Science Laboratory Mission is progressing as planned as the Curiosity Rover
tucked inside its Aeroshell and Cruise Stage is now less than 100 Days from
Entry, Descent and Landing. "Every day
is one day closer to the most challenging part of this mission," said Pete
Theisinger, Mars Science Laboratory project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion
Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. "Landing an SUV-sized vehicle next to the
side of a mountain 85 million miles from home is always stimulating. Our
engineering and science teams continue their preparations for that big day and
the surface operations to follow."
Teams at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory continue to work out the software for the mission’s landed phase. A week long operational readiness test concluded in late April. This test was focused on early surface operations on Mars. For that, commands were sent to a test rover at JPL that then executed these inputs and engineers assessed the handling of commands. The test rover has a central computer identical to Curiosity's, so that actual mission conditions can be simulated. Currently, MSL is reported to be in excellent condition.
As of 18:00 GMT on May 1, 2012, MSL had completed 384.197 Million Kilometers of its 567-Million-Kilometer journey from Earth to Mars (238.729 Million Miles of 367 Million Miles). The Spacecraft was 117.26 Million Kilometers (72.86 Million Miles) from Earth moving at a relative velocity of 70,959 Kilometers per Hour (44,092 Miles per Hour). One-Way Signal Travel Time was 6 Minutes and 31 Seconds. MSL was 33.83 Million Kilometers from Mars (21.02 Million Miles) traveling at a relative speed of 20,186 Kilometers per Hour (12,543 Kilometers per Hour). As of May 1, Curiosity was at a Mission elapsed time of 157 Days. The next mission phase transition will be performed in 54 days when the Mars Approach Phase begins during which MSL will make several course corrections to precisely target its Landing Site. More information on MSL’s Mission Design can be found here.
Teams at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory continue to work out the software for the mission’s landed phase. A week long operational readiness test concluded in late April. This test was focused on early surface operations on Mars. For that, commands were sent to a test rover at JPL that then executed these inputs and engineers assessed the handling of commands. The test rover has a central computer identical to Curiosity's, so that actual mission conditions can be simulated. Currently, MSL is reported to be in excellent condition.
As of 18:00 GMT on May 1, 2012, MSL had completed 384.197 Million Kilometers of its 567-Million-Kilometer journey from Earth to Mars (238.729 Million Miles of 367 Million Miles). The Spacecraft was 117.26 Million Kilometers (72.86 Million Miles) from Earth moving at a relative velocity of 70,959 Kilometers per Hour (44,092 Miles per Hour). One-Way Signal Travel Time was 6 Minutes and 31 Seconds. MSL was 33.83 Million Kilometers from Mars (21.02 Million Miles) traveling at a relative speed of 20,186 Kilometers per Hour (12,543 Kilometers per Hour). As of May 1, Curiosity was at a Mission elapsed time of 157 Days. The next mission phase transition will be performed in 54 days when the Mars Approach Phase begins during which MSL will make several course corrections to precisely target its Landing Site. More information on MSL’s Mission Design can be found here.
Image: NASA - JPL Solar System Simulator
