Mars Mission Landing Mechanisms

Hank Green presents a special edition of SciShow News, detailing the journey and landing of the Mars Science Laboratory's Curiosity rover. The video explains the challenges of landing the rover on Mars, including the 'Seven Minutes of Terror' during atmospheric entry, the use of a supersonic parachute, and the sky-crane maneuver. The video concludes with an invitation to join a live-tweet event during the rover's landing.

What is the Mars Science Laboratory also known as?

• Perseverance Rover

• Curiosity Rover

• Opportunity Rover

• Spirit Rover

How long did the journey to Mars take for the Mars Science Laboratory?

• Six months

• Eight months

• Twelve months

• Ten months

What is the term used by NASA scientists to describe the critical entry phase into the Martian atmosphere?

• Seven Minutes of Fear

• Seven Minutes of Anxiety

• Seven Minutes of Terror

• Seven Minutes of Panic

What is the primary function of the heat shield during the spacecraft's entry into the Martian atmosphere?

• To protect from atmospheric friction

• To guide the spacecraft

• To slow down the spacecraft

• To provide communication

What is the weight of the largest supersonic parachute ever designed for the Mars mission?

• 50 pounds

• 100 pounds

• 200 pounds

• 150 pounds

Why is a parachute alone not sufficient for a safe landing on Mars?

• The parachute is too heavy

• The Martian atmosphere is too thin

• The parachute is too small

• The Martian atmosphere is too thick

What mechanism is used to further slow down the spacecraft after the parachute?

• Solar panels

• Retro-rockets

• Landing gear

• Heat shield

What technology does the craft use to identify its landing area on Mars?

• Infrared sensors

• Sonar and GPS

• Radar and cameras

• Magnetic field detectors

What is the name of the maneuver used to lower the lander onto the Martian surface?

• Sky-Drop maneuver

• Sky-Lift maneuver

• Sky-Crane maneuver

• Sky-Descent maneuver

What happens to the rocket portion after the lander touches down on Mars?

• It remains attached

• It detaches and crashes at a safe distance

• It returns to Earth

• It disintegrates in the atmosphere