This was one of the videos that we watched at the astronomy chat Thursday night. It gives a great (if slightly dramatic) overview of just exactly what engineers, and physicists were up against when working on the Curiosity's Mars mission. What really comes out in the video is the incredible capacity of the human mind for creativity. To overcome the myriad difficulties in the Mars landing, scientists necessarily had to invent all manner of complex maneuvers and contraptions to successfully carry out the mission. The "sky crane" and especially the "super-sonic parachute" sound more like Warner Brothers' creations for Wile E. Coyote (if only they were ACME brand) than anything actually used in an official NASA mission! It is astonishing to think that that they really did this, flawlessly--we now have a rover the size of a small SUV on Mars.
This one goes out to all the nerds:
Hi Viola! Good to see you are interested in a part of "my world".......work that is. Always enjoy looking at your blog. Looks like you are having a fantastic visit to America! Love ya, Aunt Teri xxoo
ReplyDeleteMay I just say...we appreciate it :P haha This is awesome!!!
ReplyDeleteLove you
Fantastic post! I know your twinnie enjoyed it!
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