Overview

The story of the people who designed, built, launched, landed, and are now operating the Mars rover Curiosity Award-winning science writer Rod Pyle provides a behind-the-scenes look into the recent space mission to Mars of Curiosity--the unmanned rover that is now providing researchers with unprecedented information about the red planet. Pyle follows the team of dedicated scientists whose job it is to explore new vistas on Mars. Readers will also join Curiosity, the most advanced machine ever sent to another planet, on its journey of discovery. Drawing on his contacts at NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory, the author provides stunning insights into how this enthusiastic team of diverse individuals uses a revolutionary onboard laboratory of chemistry, geology, and physics instruments to unravel the profound secrets of the Red Planet. Readers will meet- Robert Manning, chief engineer for every rover mission since Pathfinder; John Grotzinger, the chief scientist of the entire mission; Vandi Tompkins, the software designer who keeps the rover on track; Bobak Ferdowski, famed ""Mohawk Guy"" from Mission Control; David Chen, chief of flight dynamics and the voice of JPL during Curiosity's treacherous landing; and many others. And of course, Pyle describes the adventures of the Curiosity rover itself, from landing through the first samples, drilling, and discovering a habitable past on the planet, to reaching the ultimate target- Mount Sharp, in the center of Gale Crater. America is once again at the forefront of a new space age and Curiosity is just the beginning of many exciting new discoveries to come.

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9781616149338

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Destination Mars brings to life an extraordinary part of human exploration--the preliminary reconnaissance of the planet of dreams over the last fifty years. Enlivened by interviews with many of the participants, Destination Mars makes you feel as if you are exploring the planet with them. --Steven J. Dick, Former NASA chief historian The seductive fascination of the red planet never palls, and...Rod Pyle stokes our hunger. For the Mars obsessed, the real thrills will be in his detailed descriptions of upcoming missions, the pseudo-Martian research conducted in Earth's most hostile environments, and interviews with explorers such as Steven Squyres, principal investigator of NASA's Mars Exploration Rover. - Nature Every few years NASA announces the arrival of another [Mars rover]... Ho-hum? Science journalist Rod Pyle's lively overview of Mars missions should be an antidote to any such ennui.... Pyle's conversational style is ideal for conveying the excitement of these decades of discovery. - Natural History

Nothing is more human than curiosity--looking around the next corner, the next mountain . . . the next planet. This sense of undaunted wonder is brought to life in Rod Pyle's tour of our fascinating love affair with Mars. --David Brin, astronomer, author of Existence and The Postman Pyle's own fascination with the high adventure of Mars exploration comes through in this highly approachable account of one of the most audacious scientific endeavors of all time. --Mike Okuda, recipient of the NASA Exceptional Public Service Medal, 2009 This book is a front-row ticket to a magnificent adventure. With his own boundless curiosity, keen eye for detail, and infectious enthusiasm, Rod Pyle takes you inside the world of the most advanced and ambitious mission to the red planet. It's a journey you don't want to miss. --Andrew Chaikin, author of A Passion for Mars Rod Pyle captures the essence and deep detail of the greatest robotic adventure ever put forth--with its challenges and triumphs, Curiosity's mission is a testament to what we can achieve. With his fascinating insights, Pyle causes us to look forward to a spectacular future of exploration. --David Knight, original XPRIZE team member

Author Information

Rod Pyle is the author of the widely acclaimed book Destination Mars--called ""the best recent overview of Mars missions"" by the Washington Post--and also Destination Moon, Missions to the Moon, and a popular audiobook called The Space Race. He has produced numerous documentaries for the History Channel and Discovery Communications, including the widely praised Modern Marvels- Apollo 11. He has been an assistant professor at the University of La Verne and a lecturer with NASA's Johnson Space Center.

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