Mars Science Laboratory's First Day on MarsNational Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC
Free
Dr. Ross Irwin
Curiosity, the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), is scheduled to land on Mars on the early morning of August 6 (Eastern Daylight Time). Join Museum planetary scientist Ross Irwin for an update on the MSL mission, followed at noon by a live briefing from NASA broadcast on the gallery's large screen.
This artist concept features NASA's Mars Science Laboratory Curiosity rover, a mobile robot for investigating Mars' past or present ability to sustain microbial life. Curiosity is being tested in preparation for launch in the fall of 2011. In this picture, the rover examines a rock on Mars with a set of tools at the end of the rover's arm, which extends about 2 meters (7 feet). Two instruments on the arm can study rocks up close. Also, a drill can collect sample material from inside of rocks and a scoop can pick up samples of soil. The arm can sieve the samples and deliver fine powder to instruments inside the rover for thorough analysis.
How to attend
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