PEESSSEEE 1. Curiosity’s mission is to answer the question:
2. It took over ___ months for Curiosity to travel the miles to reach Mars.
3. Curiosity will be exploring , which is 96 miles wide and has a 3 mile high mound in the center.
4. To land on Mars, many things need to happen at just the right time. The spacecraft enters the Martian at an altitude of 78 miles.
5. Atmospheric friction slowed the spacecraft, and temperatures could reach °F.
6. A supersonic further slows the spacecraft.
7. When the heat shield successfully pops off, the is visible and begins taking video of its descent.
8. The rover used to measure its speed and height and calculate a safe landing.
9. The rover was lowered to the ground during the stage, and ropes and cables were cut after it touched down.
10. Curiosity began to study the of a Mount Sharp. Each layer reveals a different in Mars’ history.
11. Curiosity is looking for layers that show a time when Mars could have better more conducive to supporting .
12. They are looking for evidence of water or , the chemical building blocks of life.
13. How big is the Curiosity rover?
14. What are some tools Curiosity has?
15. What does the laser do?
16. How mobile is the rover?
17. How is the rover powered?