Nasa's Curiosity rover pictured on Mars by MRO satellite (BBC)

[eppur_se_muova]

By Jonathan Amos

Science correspondent, BBC News, Pasadena

Nasa has used one of its satellites to image the Curiosity rover on Mars.

The picture shows not only the six-wheeled vehicle, but also all the components of its discarded landing system.

These items include the heatshield, the parachute and backshell of the entry capsule, and the skycrane that lowered the rover to the surface.

The image was acquired by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter from 300km and at an oblique angle of 41 degrees.

"Even though these weren't the best viewing conditions, you can still see a lot of detail," said MRO and Curiosity scientist Sarah Milkovich.



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more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/science-environment-19172564

[drm604]

1. I am totally fascinated by this mission.

[gblady]

2. me, too

I've been watching some of the lead up to the main event press conferences on the JPL site....
fascinating!

(I want a little remote controlled mini Curiosity...reminds me so of WallE.)