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	• Science Desk >> ATW -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MARS 2 By now you all know that NASA has two robotic field geologists Spirit and Opportunity exploring the surface of Mars. But do you know how they got there? As you can imagine, it takes a lot of power and a lot of Science to move a space craft over 300 million miles. Each spacecraft was loaded on to a separate three stage Delta rocket. The first and second stage provides about 210,000 pounds of thrust just to get the rocket off the ground. In the third stage, small rockets fire to spin the final component about 63 rotations per minute, putting the spacecraft on course for Mars.” “After about 7 months of travel the spacecraft enters Mars atmosphere, heat shields are turned forward and the craft begins it's decent. A parachute is deployed and once the spacecraft is 50 feet from the Martian surface gas generated airbags inflate to protect the Mars Rovers once it hits the ground.” “Pretty Cool stuff! Now if you think that is cool we can actually simulate all that with some balloons an egg and a bag. Here’s an egg which represents our fragile Mars Rover surrounded by three gas-inflated bags. Well were going to cover those with three more gas inflated bags, were going to tape them together and we’re going to land this baby on Mars! Now that the rover is protected lets land on Mars.” “Let’s go see if our rover survived! I’ll cut one more piece of tape and lets take a look-- there it is an intact rover ready to make discoveries on Mars. If you want to learn more about the Mars Rovers check out the ATW website at ATWONLINE.ORG. That's it from the Science Desk. More Information http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/classroom/students.html Mars website for students http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/home/index.html NASA’s jet propulsion laboratory Mars mission website http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/funzone_flash.html Kids fun zone http://marsprogram.jpl.nasa.gov/rockworld/ NASA needs your class’s rocks! http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/ NASA’s jet propulsion laboratory mars mission image gallery http://marsrovers.jpl.nasa.gov/gallery/video/animation.html Watch animation of Delta rocket launch and Mars Rover exploring. © 2004 WXXI-TV/ Assignment: The World. All Rights Reserved.