A panel presentation about the science of the MAVEN mission, which is to launch for Mars on Monday at 1:28 p.m. EST. :
Category Archives: Mars
MAVEN cleared for launch to Mars on Monday
The MAVEN spacecraft heading for Mars has gotten clearance for launch.
MAVEN ‘Go’ to Proceed Toward Monday Launch
A Launch Readiness Review ended this morning with NASA and contractor managers giving MAVEN the “go” for launch at 1:28 p.m. EST on Monday, Nov. 18, from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. Today’s review is the final mission review for MAVEN and its ride into space, the United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. The Atlas V was also cleared for the rollout to the launch pad Saturday. Teams have not encountered any significant technical issues or concerns for launch. Forecasters from the U.S. Air Force’s 45th Weather Squadron predict a 60 percent chance of favorable conditions during the two-hour launch window.
The MAVEN Launch Blog will provide the latest updates on the countdown.
This video outlines the MAVEN science mission:
Here is a time lapse showing the preparation of the MAVEN spacecraft:
Video: Curiosity’s Path to Mount Sharp
A NASA JPL aerial view of the path that Curiosity will take in the coming year as it winds its way to Mount Sharp:
John Grotzinger, Curiosity’s principal investigator, narrates an aerial tour of the rover’s past, present and future traverses on the Red Planet.
Mars panorama from Curiosity
Check out this cool interactive panoramic view of Mars from the Curiosity rover:
- Mars Panorama – Curiosity rover: Martian solar day 437 – 360Cities
- Where Is Curiosity Rover Now? Go There With This Amazing Panorama – Wired Science
India set to launch Mars orbiter spacecraft
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to launch Mangalyaan, their Mars orbiter probe, tomorrow at 0908 GMT (4:08 a.m. EST). The countdown for the launch seem to be going smoothly:
- Status Mars Orbiter Mission – ISRO
- Countdown for Mars Orbiter Mission progressing smoothly: ISRO – Business Line
- India Prepares to Launch Mars Orbiter in Space Race With China – Bloomberg
Full View of PSLV-C25 on First Launch Pad