Mars sample return mission. Artwork of a proposed Mars sample return mission spacecraft landing on Mars. At top left is the cruise stage, used to trav
Mars sample return mission. Artwork of a proposed Mars sample return mission spacecraft landing on Mars. At top left is the cruise stage, used to travel to Mars. The aeroshell capsule separates and descends into the atmosphere, eventually being slowed by a parachute. The descent stage separates and fires retro rockets to stabilise the final approach. The lander and ascent stage are lowered on a bridle, which touches down before the descent stage separates and flies out of the way. NASA and the European Space Agency are collaborating on proposals for a mission to gather samples of Martian rocks and bring them to Earth after 2020.
Size: 4833px × 3620px
Photo credit: © NASA/JPL-CALTECH/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: aeroshell, artwork, astronomical, astronomy, bridle, descent, entry, exploration, flight, future, futuristic, illustration, landing, mars, martian, mission, msr, parachuting, planet, planetary, proposed, return, rover, sample, science, solar, space, spacecraft, spaceflight, stage, system, unmanned
