Mars Science Laboratory
The aim of the Mars Science Laboratory mission, and its surface robotic payload Curiosity rover, is to search for signs of ancient life. It is hoped that a later mission could then return samples that the laboratory identified as probably containing remains of life. To safely bring the craft down, a 12 mile wide, smooth, flat circle is needed. Geologists hope to examine places where water once ponded. They would like to examine sediment layers. The Mars Science Laboratory landed on Aeolis Palus near Aeolis Mons in Gale Crater on 6 August 2012. The landing was 2.279 km (1.416 mi) from the target (4°35′31″S 137°26′25″E / 4.591817°S 137.440247°E / -4.591817; 137.440247), closer than any previous rover landings and well within the target oval.
Read more about this topic: Aeolis Quadrangle
Famous quotes containing the words mars, science and/or laboratory:
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