Curiosity Landing on Mars- Countdown Has Begun

I have always been fascinated by the images of rockets and space-shuttles - which to an extent is attributable to my science background. It is hard to comprehend that this world that we live in - the Earth, is just a part of our solar system in the milky way galaxy, and that, this universe has billions of worlds in billion more galaxies. Scientists have proven this complexity by not only showing the images and footages but also by sending numerous missions to other planets.

With regard to this particular mission, The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is aiming to find out whether life forms can survive on Mars. The rocket bearing the 1-ton rover named Curiosity was launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida on November 26, 2011. It will finally land on mars on August 6, 2012. The vehicle, loaded with the most-sophisticated instruments ever used has costed NASA $2.5 billion. The mission, if successful, will bring back loads of information and data on the possibility of life forms on Mars.

Animation of how Curiosity will land on Mars.

(Source: Youtube)


You can also watch live stream of the Curiosity landing on Mars on August 6, 2012 (BST: 11:30 hours) on the Ustream embedded below.