Mars Science Laboratory Aeroshell Capsule 2 Coaster

Artist's concept depicting the interaction of Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft with the upper atmosphere of Mars during the entry, descent and landing of the Curiosity rover onto the Martian surface. In this scene, the friction with the Martian atmosphere is slowing the spacecraft's descent and heating its heat shield. The Curiosity rover and descent stage of the spacecraft are inside the aeroshell consisting of the backshell and heat shield.