Transcript Curiosity - columbusastronomy

CURIOSITY
Antoine Henderson
Fiona Ward
Launch and Landing
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Launched:
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Landed: August 6, 2012
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November 26, 2011
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August 6, 2012
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Cape Canaveral, Florida
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Aeolis Palus, Gale Crater
Objectives
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Biological
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Determine the nature and inventory of organic carbon compounds.
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Inventory the chemical building blocks of life.
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Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorous, Sulfur
Identify features that may represent the effects of biological processes.
Geological and Geochemical
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Investigate the chemical, isotopic, and mineralogical composition of the Martian
surface and near-surface geological materials.
Interpret the processes that have formed and modified rocks and soils.
Objectives
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Planetary Processes
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Assess long-timescale atmospheric evolution processes.
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Determine present state, distribution, and cycling of water and carbon dioxide.
Surface Radiation
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Characterize the broad spectrum of surface radiation, including galactic cosmic
radiation, solar proton events, and secondary neutrons.
Goals
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Determine Possibility of Ancient Life on Mars
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Conditions Needed for Life to Thrive
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Looking for Life Signs
Characterize the Climate of Mars
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What's the Martian Climate Like Today?
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What Can the Current Climate on Mars Reveal about the Past?
Characterize the Geology of Mars
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The Magnetism of Mars Gives Clues to the Planet's Interior and More
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Rocks on Mars Can Tell Us About the Planet's History and Its Potential for Harboring Life
Prepare for Human Exploration
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Astronaut Safety in the Hostile Martian Environment
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Robotic Spacecraft Will Pave the Way for Human Exploration of Mars
Technology
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Mars Science Laboratory (MSL)
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Mass: 899kg
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2.9m x 2.7m x 2.2m
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Power Source: Radioisotope
Thermoelectric Generator
(RTG)
Computers: Rover Computer
Element (RCE)
Robotic arm
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Communications: X band
transmitter and receiver, UHF
Electra-Lite software-defined
radio
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Mobility: Rocker-Bogie system
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17 cameras:
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HazCams (8), NavCams (4),
MastCams (2), MAHLI (1),
MARDI (1), and ChemCam
(1).
Accomplishments
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Atmospheric Composition
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Mars has no traces of
Methane.
Rock Samples
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Discovery of Streambed Gravel
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Evidence of Flowing Water
Curiosity Identifies Traces of:
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Sulfur
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Nitrogen
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Hydrogen
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Oxygen
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Phosphorous
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Carbon
Ancient Streambed