How Mars rover Curiosity communicates with Earth

The video explains how images from the Curiosity rover on Mars are transmitted back to Earth. Curiosity sends data at 250.6 kilobits per second to Mars orbiters, which then retransmit the data to Earth. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter and Mars Odyssey play key roles in this process, orbiting Mars at low altitudes. Data is then sent to Earth at speeds of six megabits per second, comparable to a fast internet connection, and received by Deep Space Network antennas located in California, Spain, and Australia. The entire transmission process can take from 30 minutes to several hours, depending on the distance between Earth and Mars.

Where are the Deep Space Network antennas located?

Evaluate responses using AI:

OFF

What factors can affect the time it takes for data transmission between Earth and Mars?

Evaluate responses using AI:

OFF