Dedrater

Live stream below, launch at 3pm..

http://www.ustream.tv/nasahdtv#utm_c...medium=6540154

TH3_5T1G

iTrader: (15)

I watched the launch, seems pretty damn boring imo lol

David Lock

I think they should butter the undercarriage to make sure it lands the right way up?

dl

PaulC72

its a cool piece of kit but like most robots it needs a self righting mechanism lol, just in case mind. I hope it does well though.

Dedrater

One of the interesting facts I have read since the launch. 45 minutes after takeoff and boosted from the rocket, it was traveling at 10 kilometers a second, that is mind bending!

Jimbob

iTrader: (13)

Nuclear power supply so should go well!!

Dedrater

Another fact, computer models have predicted the power supply will last longer than most of the exterior moving parts, as they will wear out due to use.

Jimbob

iTrader: (13)

By that time we`ll already be there and replace these parts, and let it go again!!

RobsyUK

iTrader: (2)

No one think the yellow cables are too exposed? If some space dust hits it....

Dedrater

I'm afraid not 30 years is the guesstimate for a manned Mars mission.

Dedrater

Google Gore datalines

David Lock

Bet it gets a little green parking ticket

dl

Dedrater

How it will happen..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BudlaGh1A0o

Dedrater

It doesn't need one, because it it one. Edit: see the NASA blog, I don't get this myself, i assume he means it can not be upturned or flipped in relative zero gravity

Leslie

It is lowered the right way up from the hovering rocket device which slows it to a safe landing.

I wish them all the luck for a successful exercise throughout.

Les

PaulC72

if it works like the video it'll be brilliant.

RobsyUK

iTrader: (2)

I didn't think they had any money to send stuff up any more and are using the russains?

Fat Boy

My scooby'll have it in the twisties... TM

Leslie

Not on that terrain it wouldn't.

Les

Dr Hu

after watching that video - frickin good luck to them pulling all that off without a hitch! Blimey why make it simple when you can make it as complicated as that!

Richy P1984

Anyone else have visions of it ploughing straight into the Mars surface? I hope it doesnt. Hope the Russian effort manages its trip as well

Miniman

iTrader: (2)

My name's on it (along with my kids and 1.2 million others). We signed up to have our names put on a small piece of silicon and attatched to the deck of Curiosity. So "I'm" in space. Doubt I'll ever personally get into space let alone another planet, but hey at least my name is on it's way to Mars.

Though it would be just typical that it crashed and burnt in the descent stage and my name is never picked up by a little green man.