With ‘Terror’ in the Past, Mars Scientists Plan for Exploration Ahead

The Curiosity rover nailed its dismount, following a complex routine of aerial acrobatics last weekend. Now, after the thrill of the picture-perfect landing, scientists are eager to start the real mission. John Grotzinger, project scientist for the Mars Science Laboratory mission, describes the immediate goals for the Curiosity rover, now in Gale Crater on Mars.

The video above, produced by Plumbline Pictures, is a collection of various NASA animation, telemetry data, onboard vehicle instrumentation, incident audio, and JPL footage, set to music and embellished with narration from NASA/JPL leaders. The filmmaker writes: “I was at JPL on this night, and I was compelled to produce something that approximated my experiences.”