It Came to Mars

NASA scientists explain the challenges of landing a spacecraft (Curiosity, scheduled for a 10:31 p.m. PDT August 5 touchdown) on Mars, where the atmosphere is 100 times thinner than Earth's, and how they're meeting them. It all involves a supersonic parachute, extra rockets, and a tether, and it's super-cool (video): http://www.jpl.nasa.gov/video/index.cfm?id=1090