Snapshots from Space

No descent images or sounds from Phoenix

Emily Lakdawalla • November 15, 2007

A couple of days ago Malin Space Science Systems (MSSS) issued a news notice that explains some of the horse-trading that went on behind the scenes to rescue MARDI, the descent imaging camera that they are building for the Mars Science Laboratory rover.

MSL: Landing site downselections

Emily Lakdawalla • October 29, 2007

After three days of presentations, voting, and extended discussions, the "Mars community," as represented by something over 100 scientists who decided to attend the second Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) landing site selection meeting in a process that was open to all, have narrowed down to six the number of potential MSL landing sites.

Curiosity artist's concept on Mars arm sampling

MSL landing site selection meeting: Day 2 site-by-site presentations

Emily Lakdawalla • October 25, 2007

Unlike the Mars Exploration Rover mission, which featured two golf-cart-sized landers, this time we have only one giant, Volkswagen beetle-size. So at the end of this process we have to pick our favorite place on Mars, not our favorite two places.

MSL sites, comet outbursts, and other stuff

Emily Lakdawalla • October 25, 2007

The latest on MSL landing sites, a look at comet outbursts, and links to other stuff.

Mars Science Laboratory is going to be HUGE

Emily Lakdawalla • June 20, 2007

Yesterday I deposited the baby with her grandmother and went to the Jet Propulsion Laboratory for a press junket to the opening of their new Mars Yard.