These Are the First Images from the Mars Curiosity Rover (Updated)
By Jesus Diaz, Gizmodo, 6 August 2012.
By Jesus Diaz, Gizmodo, 6 August 2012.
The Mars Curiosity Rover has landed successfully! And here's the first image, from the hazard cameras that will help it navigate through the surface of Mars. This is a phenomenal achievement. And here are the first images!
The image [top picture] shows the shadow of the rover, securely positioned on the surface of the red planet. It seems like a boring image, but it's extremely important. It means that everything is ok, that the rover is on firm ground and ready to start moving when Mission Control gives the order. It's also the pinnacle of the landing, perhaps the most amazing achievement in planetary exploration after the Apollo missions.
More images will be coming in the coming days. The first horizon image should be coming any time now. The first high definition panorama, however, is a week away. Both should be amazing, showing a gigantic mountain: Aeolis Mons, commonly known as Mount Sharp.
Update: Here's the third image. The dust has cleared and you can see what could be the rim of the Gale crater in the horizon.
I'm still live at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena. Stay tuned for more updates!
Video: Touch down: Nasa celebrates Curiosity landing
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