How Long to Read Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation

How Long Does it Take to Read Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation?

It takes the average reader 2 hours and 1 minute to read Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation by National Aeronautics and Space Administration

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

On August 6, 2012 (1:31 AM EDT), the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) successfully traversed the atmosphere to land on Mars. But by the time the sky crane lowered the Curiosity rover to the surface, one experiment (the MSL Entry Descent and Landing (EDL) Instrumentation (MEDLI) suite) had already collected all of its data. For the entire atmospheric entry phase, from just before atmospheric interface until it was powered off approximately 10 seconds after the parachute was deployed, MEDLI monitored the entry vehicle's surface pressures and heatshield temperatures. MEDLI delivered the first in-depth understanding of the Mars entry environments and the response of the entry vehicle to those environments. Previous Mars entry missions assessed their entry performance (vehicle drag and stability) via the observed initial states coupled with the onboard inertial measurement unit (IMU) data. This approach is devoid of environmental measurements, so total drag force cannot be decomposed into aerodynamics and atmospheric conditions. In addition, no through-thickness measurements to ascertain heatshield thermal protection system (TPS) performance were taken on previous entry missions. MEDLI culminated decades of advocacy by the EDL community for entry vehicle instrumentation. The fate of the Genesis and Stardust sample return missions served as an impetus for this advocacy. On September 8, 2004, an incorrectly installed g-trigger did not command deployment of its drogue chute, and the Genesis capsule tumbled through the atmosphere. The plan had called for a mid-air retrieval via its slow-descent parafoil to avoid landing impact loads, but instead the parafoil did not deploy and the Genesis capsule crashed into the ground. The minimal EDL data available from Genesis also slowed the mishap investigation. Sixteen months later, on January 15, 2006, a successful Stardust return prompted the NASA Administrator to request an assessment of how the vehicle performed. Since the capsule was not instrumented, the ability to quantify vehicle stability and drag performance, as well as the heating environment and the response of the TPS to that environment, was limited. As a result, the Administrator mandated that NASA should instrument all future atmospheric entry systems.

How long is Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation?

Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation by National Aeronautics and Space Administration is 118 pages long, and a total of 30,444 words.

This makes it 40% the length of the average book. It also has 37% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 2 hours and 46 minutes to read Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation aloud.

What Reading Level is Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation?

Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation is suitable for students ages 10 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation?

Mars Science Laboratory Entry, Descent, and Landing Instrumentation by National Aeronautics and Space Administration is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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