How do you deposit a massive SUV-sized nuclear-powered rover to the surface of an alien planet without making an SUV-sized crater? NASA's solution for Curiosity will be attempted for the first time on August 5/6 when they gently lower the rover to the red sands of Mars using a Sky Crane.

FULL STORY: science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at.../2012/30jul_skycrane

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It worked to perfection!!! I think I was as anxious thyen as elated as the people at JPL.

Here's the story

NASA's most advanced Mars rover Curiosity has landed on the Red Planet. The one-ton rover, hanging by ropes from a rocket backpack, touched down onto Mars Sunday to end a 36-week flight and begin a two-year investigation.

FULL STORY: science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at.../2012/06aug_success/

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With split-second timing, NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter has captured an amazing snapshot of Curiosity parachuting to the surface of Mars.

FULL STORY: science.nasa.gov/science-news/science-at...012/06aug_parachute/