For those interested in the natural world beyond Earth NASA is attempting to
land a small spacecraft on Mars today at 3:00 p.m. The spacecraft, called
INSIGHT was launched from Earth in May of this year. Its purpose is to
examine for the first time the interior of Mars, to see how it compares to
the Earths interior, and to learn more about how planets are formed. Its a
complicated landing using a heat shield for the craft that will heat up to
3000°, a very large parachute because of the thin atmosphere on Mars, and
small rockets on the spacecraft itself that will allow the it land gently on
the surface. In addition the craft has to arrive at the selected landing
spot on time.
Coverage of the landing will begin at 2:00 on NASA TV and on the internet at
www.nasa.gov/live.
Roger Mayhorn
Compton Mountain
