New Mars Rover Poised to Venture Into Space

By Andres Cordova
Epoch Times Staff

NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) “Curiosity” is set for takeoff from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station today, Nov. 26, at 10:02 a.m. EST, beginning its journey into space onboard the United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rocket.

The rover is expected to land on the red planet in August next year for a 23-month-long research mission. Its purpose is to investigate the Gale Crater, and gather any evidence about whether environmental conditions have favored the development of microbial life.

Curiosity contains a nuclear device called the Multi-Mission Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator, a type of “space battery,” to provide all the power needed for this kind of long-term mission.

“This power system will enable Curiosity to complete its ambitious expedition in Mars’ extreme temperatures and seasons,” said Stephen Johnson, director of Idaho National Laboratory’s Space Nuclear Systems and Technology Division, in a press release.

“When the unit leaves here, we’ve verified every aspect of its performance and made sure it’s in good shape when it gets to Kennedy Space Center.”

NASA chose to use nuclear power because solar energy could not meet the demands of the research mission.

“You can operate with solar panels on Mars, you just can’t operate everywhere,” Johnson explained.

“This gives you an opportunity to go anywhere you want on the planet, not be limited to the areas that have sunlight and not have to put the rover to sleep at night.”

Weather predictions are favorable with up to 30 percent chance of conditions forcing the postponement of liftoff.