12:38 p.m. PST: Cruise Stage Separation
This is the part of the spacecraft that flies Perseverance and the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter. It will separate from the capsule as the spacecraft begins the final phases of the journey.
NASA/JPL
12:48 p.m. PST: Atmospheric Entry
Traveling at about 12,100 mph, the spacecraft will enter the top layer of Mars’ atmosphere. This is the beginning of the mission s seven minutes of terror.
12:49 p.m. PST: Peak Heating
This is where things really start to heat up. Due to friction from the Martian atmosphere, the shielded bottom of the spacecraft will warm to an astounding 2,370 degrees Fahrenheit.
A series of hold-your-breath moments Thursday will determine the success or failure of NASA’s Perseverance mission when the agency attempts to land its fifth.
A series of hold-your-breath moments Thursday will determine the success or failure of NASA’s Perseverance mission when the agency attempts to land its fifth.
A series of hold-your-breath moments Thursday will determine the success or failure of NASA’s Perseverance mission when the agency attempts to land its fifth.
Updated on February 19, 2021 at 8:22 am
NBCUniversal Media, LLC
What to Know
Built in Southern California, NASA s Mars rover called Perseverance is due to touch down Thursday on the Red Planet.
The landing after nearly seven months of space travel is scheduled for 12:55 p.m. California time.
The process includes a series of high-stakes maneuvers and what the mission crew refers to as seven minutes of terror.
A series of hold-your-breath moments Thursday will determine the success or failure of NASA’s Perseverance mission when the agency attempts to land its fifth rover on Mars. Download our mobile app for iOS or Android to get alerts for local breaking news and weather.