In this artist's rendition, the MESUR-Pathfinder space vehicle enters the Martian atmosphere and descends to the surface of the planet. After completing the 11-month journey from Earth to Mars and establishing the proper orientation for entry into the Martian atmosphere, the cruise stage containing the equipment used to guide it to Mars is separated from the aeroshell carrying the Pathfinder lander and microrover. The aeroshell enters the atmosphere at a velocity of approximately 6,300 meters per second (14,000 miles per hour). Atmospheric drag resulting from the friction of the aeroshell in the atmosphere causes intense heating of the aeroshell and decelerates the vehicle to approximately 400 meters per second (900 miles per hour) prior to deployment of the parachute. A single parachute is deployed at approximately 10,000 meters (six miles) altitude and separates the lander from the forward portion of the aeroshell which has now been charred by the intense heating. The parachute slows the lander to a velocity of 35 meters per second (78 miles per hour) prior to surface impact.
