Artist's Rendering |
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The Pathfinder space vehicle enters the Martian atmosphere and descends to the surface of the planet. The cruise stage containing the equipment used to guide it to Mars is separated from the aeroshell carrying the Pathfinder lander and microrover. Atmospheric drag in the atmosphere causes intense heating of the aeroshell and decelerates the vehicle prior to deployment of the parachute. The parachute slows the lander prior to surface impact.
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