THEMIS support for MSL landing site selection
Thu Oct 25, 2007 at 13:07 UTC
Data from Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) on board the Mars Odyssey spacecraft is helping scientists choose a landing site for NASA's next Mars rover, the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission.
Because Earthlings only get one chance every 26 months to send a spacecraft to Mars, it's important to make the most of every opportunity and to get there safely. Scientists and engineers are in the process of selecting five finalists from 36 proposed landing sites.
Finding the right landing site is a little like a treasure hunt, using a variety of clues from the Mars Odyssey and other orbiters. The objective is to find a smooth yet firm landing site within reach of interesting places to explore. Mars Odyssey images help scientists differentiate dusty, sandy areas from rocky areas.
Explore landing sites at the THEMIS instrument site.
Image Credit: NASA/JPL/Arizona State University
| Source: Arizona State University | |
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More on • Mars Odyssey • Mars Science Laboratory • Mars |
