What will "Curiosity" do on Mars?

[PALADIN85020]

This animation, prepared by the NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, graphically portrays how the atomic-powered Mars rover functions. It's quite fascinating.

Too bad NASA's funding has been cut to the bone - this precursor to manned Mars exploration is fascinating. I'm sad that I will never live to see man explore other planets in our solar system.

John

Curiosity: Animation - YouTube

 

[Cooter Brown]

That was a neat video. They sure pulled off the landing as well. It amazes me that they're able to do those things. Just as amazing or more so is that we put a man on the moon given what was essentially WWII technology.

Those folks had and have a lot of guts and brains.

It's too bad the funding has been cut so much--the space program paid off in a lot of ways, and not just Tang.

 

[deanodog]

Amazing project success. Now I hope that rover doesn't have Chinese parts in it if it is to last two years.

 

[BigBill]

They want to find out who shot the last rover after it went dead. Now this one has camera's all over it. I wouldn't doubt it if it can shoot back knowing nasa.

 

[amazingflapjack]

money and effort better expended in another direction in my view.

 

[gdauth]

Yes it is sad that NASA funding has been gutted. It seems that the country has no vision any more. We need engineers and what do we get but a bunch of lawyers and bean counters.

 

[A10]

I'm just hoping there are no cats on Mars......they won't last long.

 

[steamloco76]

I predict they will find Jimmy Hoffa in another one of Al Capone's secret vaults

 

[dereksfl]

WOW Atomic powered vehicle. We need that! Would that qualify for the HOV Lanes? (In California they call them Lexus Lanes.) Something usefull out of NASA. They did give us teflon pans.

 

[DeathGrip]

I was hoping for some cheese.

 

[nipster]

They might find Kuato and his band of mutants

 

[rags]

I'm just hoping there are no cats on Mars......they won't last long.

Beat me to it!

 

[Lee Barner]

i stayed up and watched it last night. the most amazing thing to me is when they launched it, they knew within a minute or two of when it was going to land. now that's some real rocket science. lee

 

[kal45]

money and effort better expended in another direction in my view.

A lot of people feel that way but I'm not one of them. NASA's budget is less than 1/2 of 1% of the entire federal budget. It would be OK with me if they doubled or tripled it.

 

[DeathGrip]

In all seriousness. I can't wait to see the images. It truly is amazing.

I hope the NEXT PRESIDENT brings back NASA and MADE IN AMERICA pride.

 

[kal45]

i stayed up and watched it last night. the most amazing thing to me is when they launched it, they knew within a minute or two of when it was going to land. now that's some real rocket science. lee

I agree. I watched it also and was just in awe. Two weeks ago they fired thrusters and adjusted the orbit of the satellite that relayed the telemetry back to earth. It was in absolute perfect position and even took a photo (that is available online now) of Opportunity at two kilometers above Mars with its parachute open. They said the photo wouldn't have been possible if they had been off by only a few seconds either way.

 

[pharmer]

It's searching for the dot under the exclamation point that comes after the $2,500,000,000.00 (!) price tag. Joe

 

[kal45]

In all seriousness. I can't wait to see the images. It truly is amazing.

I hope the NEXT PRESIDENT brings back NASA and MADE IN AMERICA pride.

I was at LibertyCon in Chattanooga a couple of weeks ago and NASA's Deputy Director of Advanced Concepts (whatever that means) Les Johnson (google Les Johnson NASA) said one big problem at NASA is that every time a new president is elected their directive changes. He said that happens whether it is a D or R. He said they need to be able to think and plan 10, 20 or 30 years ahead and every four or eight years they have to adjust or start over.

 

[paud]

too much government. Look at the jobs NASA, a branch of the government created. End this waste and let the private sector do all of this. Cut this wasteful government spending. If we are mean to explore, god will provide all the money for the private companies to do it.

 

[DeathGrip]

I was at LibertyCon in Chattanooga a couple of weeks ago and NASA's Deputy Director of Advanced Concepts (whatever that means) Les Johnson (google Les Johnson NASA) said one big problem at NASA is that every time a new president is elected their directive changes. He said that happens whether it is a D or R. He said they need to be able to think and plan 10, 20 or 30 years ahead and every four or eight years they have to adjust or start over.

This is the problem. I feel real bad for the next few generations.