The final Mars Science Laboratory news briefing prior to the planned landing on Mars of the Curiosity rover, presented an update of the spacecraft’s current status and discussed what to expect after landing.
Highlights:
“We may not be successful.”
“What the outcome is, we will all know.”
“Tonight’s it. The Superbowl of planetary exploration. One yard line, one play left. That play is about twelve hours from now. We score and win, or we don’t score and we don’t win.”
Doug McCuistion, Mars Exploration Program director
“We’ll be glued to the edge of our seats for the big event.”
“The flight team is feeling good about the spacecraft.”
“The flight path is looking good.”
Brian Portock, MSL mission manager
“She’s kind of on her own now.”
“Mars is cooperating. The weather (on Mars) is pretty good.”
“For tonight, the atmosphere (on Mars) looks perfect.”
Adam Steltzner, MSL entry, descent and landing phase lead
Curiosity is scheduled to land at 1:31 a.m. Monday, Aug. 6 eastern time.