And then there were two. Two potential landing sites are possible for the Mars Science Laboratory, which is slated to blast off no earlier than November 25th, 2011. It is due for arrival at the Red Planet in August 2012.
The two sites are:
Gale crater and Eberswalde crater
Eberswalde could have been part of an ancient river delta (liquid water did once exist on Mars, though now it does not). Gale crater has a mountain nearly 3 miles high. For what it’s worth, I’m pulling for Eberswalde. It seems to have more promise for delivering information regarding potential for life.
The MSL is about the size of a Mini Cooper. Its primary mission is to help assess whether Mars ever was, or is still today, an environment able to support microbial life. It will also be the first probe flown that will utilize a precision-landing technique.
Much more if you want it from Space.com.
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