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Mounting the backshell onto Curiosity In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility at NASA's Kennedy Space Center in Florida, technicians, using an overhead crane, lift the backshell for NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover, Curiosity. The backshell, a protective cover which carries the parachute and several components used during later stages of entry, descent and landing, will be encapsulated over the rover (seen to the right). A United Launch Alliance Atlas V-541 configuration will be used to loft MSL into space. NASA / Dimitri Gerondidakis