Heat Shield for Mars Science Laboratory Rover
Spacecraft worker with the heat shield for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory at Lockheed Martin Space Systems, Denver, Colorado. The shield and the spacecraft's backshell together form an encapsulating aeroshell that will protect the Rover (named Curiosity) from the intense heat and friction that will be generated as the flight system descends through the Martian atmosphere. The aeroshell has a steering capability produced by ejecting ballast that offsets the center of mass prior to entry into the atmosphere. This offset creates lift as it interacts with the thin Martian atmosphere and allows roll control and autonomous steering through the use of thrusters. The Mars Science Laboratory is being assembled and tested for launch in the autumn of 2011.
Size: 2446px × 2943px
Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: astronomy, exploration, heat, laboratory, lockheed, mars, martin, nasa, program, rover, science, shield, space, systems, technology
