The parachute on the NASA Curiosity Rover is used to slow down the spacecraft during its entry into the Martian atmosphere. This allows for a controlled descent onto the surface of Mars.
The parachute works by creating drag against the Martian atmosphere, which helps slow down the spacecraft. It is made of a durable, heat-resistant material and has a diameter of 51 feet.
During the entry process, the parachute experiences high temperatures due to the friction of the Martian atmosphere. It is important for the parachute to be able to withstand these temperatures to ensure a safe descent onto the Martian surface.
The parachute is deployed around seven minutes before the rover lands on the surface of Mars. It stays deployed for about 2 minutes, until the rover reaches an altitude of about 1.2 miles above the surface.
The parachute played a crucial role in the successful landing of the Curiosity Rover on Mars. Without it, the rover would not have been able to safely enter the Martian atmosphere and land on the surface. The data collected during the parachute's deployment and descent also provides valuable information for future missions to Mars.