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Mars is right next door to Earth, but it isn't very neighborly. Two-thirds
of all international missions have
failed, but an undaunted human spirit and hard work keep us on a
path to explore Mars - a world so much like our own, but much more
hostile and uninviting. In this Challenges of Getting to Mars web
series, Mars Exploration Rover team members describe the challenges
of getting to Mars and maneuvering on the surface once the
rovers are there.
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Weather Dangers and Delays
The rover launch site at Cape Canaveral, Florida is the "Lightning Capital of the United States." Launching a spacecraft safely is challenging enough. Learn how the Force of Nature intercepted the Rover Team's efforts to launch Spirit for two days.
QuickTime 7 MB
MPEG 7 MB
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Two Launches: Spirit and Opportunity
The first episode documents the hurdles leading up to both launches. From Mother Nature being uncooperative to a problem with the cork insulation on the rocket, lift-off was no small feat. Ultimately the rover team rejoiced as their twins left the nest and headed for Mars.
QuickTime 7 MB
MPEG 7 MB
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Testing the Rovers for the Treacherous Martian Terrain
See how the scientists and engineers on Earth stretch their imaginations to design the best rover system to deal with the unpredictable dangerous terrain on Mars. Rover team members at Jet Propulsion Laboratory are currently testing the limitations of the rovers through engineering models on Earth so they can safely maneuver the real rovers on Mars.
QuickTime 8 MB
MPEG 6 MB
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| Future Episodes |
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Coming soon. Future episodes will include the rovers' long ride, or cruise, the critical entry, descent and landing phase and the harsh conditions they will face on the surface
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