NASA photographs split second when Curiosity enters Mars airspace

Fox news ^ | August 6, 2012 | Foxnews

[Vince Ferrer]

Thanks to a remarkable combination of engineering and mathematics, a NASA satellite in orbit around Mars was able to capture this picture of the split second when Curiosity fell from the skies to its successful landing on the surface of the red planet.

[Rebelbase]

Just don’t let Wallowitz drive it.

[Windcatcher]

The drama queens are already coming out about how terrible this is.

http://www.delcotimes.com/articles/2012/08/06/news/doc501f8c77de5b7412000855.txt

[Vince Ferrer]

If anyone hasn't seen the video animation of the complexity of this landing here it is:

Seven minutes of terror

And for comparison, here is the complexity of their last landers, Spirit and Opportunity. They were much smaller, and so could use a simpler landing system.

Rover landing on Mars

[Cyman]

” I for one am proud of America on this one.”

I have to admit that I was bursting with pride last night as I stayed up to watch it all happen.It’s a shame that we have become so enured by the whole process.

I believe it was Neil Armstrong that said not too long ago that he would welcome commanding a trip to Mars. I would love to go along!

[Sen Jack S. Fogbound]

Nifty engineering indeed. I recall one time that NASA spent millions of dollars in developing a ballpoint pen that would work in zero gravity environment. What did the Russian use in orbit? They used a pencil!!

Now that is known as “No Frill” engineering!

[hosepipe]

I wonder what bacteria Curiosity had ON IT.. thats now on Mars?..

[JaguarXKE]

remarkable. Hope they find something of interest.

They already have:

[Fair Paul]

Exactly, I’ve been awaiting comment from Dr. Sheldon Cooper.

[Yossarian]

I recall one time that NASA spent millions of dollars in developing a ballpoint pen that would work in zero gravity environment. What did the Russian use in orbit? They used a pencil!!

After an early point in manned space exploration, the Russians wisely went to pens as well:

Pencil lead is conductive, and so a break-off or even powdering of pencil lead can float around and cause electrical shorts, and hence fires.

A fire in space is a bad day indeed.

[Lockbox]

Where de flag??????

'where the photos of the American flag that Neil Armstrong planted on Mars?'

Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee

[greenhornet68]

I felt the same way. It was so good to feel proud of an American accomplishment like this. These people are brilliant scientists! What an amazing feat! I love watching the NASA briefings instead of having to watch the political BS. Thank you so much for the distractions! USA! USA! USA!

[a fool in paradise]

remarkable. Hope they find something of interest.

[JoeProBono]

[Moonman62]

I honestly didn’t think NASA could pull it off anymore. I’m so pleased to be wrong.

Politicians tend to stay away from the unmanned programs which is my theory for why they do so well.

[Moonman62]

Wow!

By comparison, a few months ago, Russia couldn't even get their Mars mission out of Earth orbit.

[usconservative]

How long before we see a political ad explaining 0bamas single handed trip to Mars?

As long as there's no return trip I don't care how much it costs to send Obama to Mars!

[COBOL2Java]

The landing was not universally applauded...

[reg45]

If we had not spent wasted so much money on LBJ’s Great Society programs(black reparations), we would be landing MEN have a permanent colony on Mars.

[Vince Ferrer]

By comparison, a few months ago, Russia couldn't even get their Mars mission out of Earth orbit.

So far only about 30% of Mars Landers have landed successfully.

[reg45]

For the first time in the last three and one half years, I am proud of the United States.