Mars Rover Landing and Operations

How fast did the Mars Science Laboratory launch vehicle push the craft towards Mars?

• 1,300 miles per hour

• 13,000 miles per hour

• 130,000 miles per hour

• 13 miles per hour

Why is the period when the spacecraft enters Mars' atmosphere and loses contact called the "7 minutes of terror"?

• The spacecraft might get tangled in its parachute.

• The spacecraft could burn up or crash.

• The spacecraft might run out of fuel.

• The spacecraft could miss Mars entirely.

What temperature does the heat shield reach when the craft enters Mars' atmosphere?

• 160 degrees Celsius

• 1,600 degrees Celsius

• 16,000 degrees Celsius

• 16 degrees Celsius

What is the main reason for using the "Sky Crane" maneuver to land the rover on Mars?

• To make the rover look more impressive.

• To avoid damaging the rover's instruments with dust.

• To save fuel during landing.

• To allow the rover to land on a higher elevation.