MSL at a glance
A few characteristics of the MSL
| MSL key figures | |
| Mass at launch | 3400 kg, including 900 kg for the rover |
| Mass of scientific payload | 90 kg |
| Dimensions of rover | Length: 2.9 m Width: 2.7 m Height: 2.2 m |
| Range | 20 km |
| Mission duration | 1 Mars year (687 Earth days) |
MSL instruments
| Camera | - Mahli : for characterising the composition and microstructure of rocks, soil, frost and ice - MastCam: for studying the absorption of light by the Mars ground - Mardi: for mapping the local environment around the rover |
| Spectromètre | - APXS: for measuring the abundance of heavy chemical elements in rocks and soil - ChemCam: for remote analysis of the nature, composition and erosion of rocks - CheMin: for detecting the presence of minerals formed in the presence of water - Sam: for detecting organic compounds and studying their chemistry |
| Détecteur de radiations | - Rad: for characterising several types of radiation for the purpose of human exploration - Dan: for detecting neutrons related to water hydrogen under the surface |
| Station de surveillance météorologique | Rems : for measuring atmospheric pressure, humidity, ultraviolet radiation, wind speed, soil and air temperature |
