Editing Mars Science Laboratory (section)

==== Parachute descent ====
[[File:MSL parachute.jpg|thumb|left|MSL's parachute is {{convert|16|m|ft|abbr=on}} in diameter.]]
[[File:MRO sees Curiosity landing.jpg|thumb|NASA's ''Curiosity'' rover and its parachute were spotted by NASA's [[Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter]] as the probe descended to the surface. August 6, 2012.]]
When the entry phase was complete and the capsule slowed to about {{convert|470|m/s|abbr=on}} at about {{convert|10|km|mi|abbr=on}} altitude, the supersonic [[parachute]] deployed,<ref name="EntryDescentLanding"/> as was done by previous landers such as [[Viking program|Viking]], Mars Pathfinder and the Mars Exploration Rovers. The parachute has 80 suspension lines, is over {{convert|50|m|ft|abbr=on}} long, and is about {{convert|16|m|ft|abbr=on}} in diameter.<ref name="ParaTest"/> Capable of being deployed at Mach 2.2, the parachute can generate up to {{convert|289|kN|lbf|abbr=on}} of [[drag (physics)|drag force]] in the Martian atmosphere.<ref name="ParaTest"/> After the parachute was deployed, the heat shield separated and fell away. A camera beneath the rover acquired about 5 frames per second (with resolution of 1600×1200 pixels) below {{convert|3.7|km|mi|abbr=on}} during a period of about 2 minutes until the rover sensors confirmed successful landing.<ref name="Mars Descent Imager (MARDI)"/> The ''Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter'' team were able to acquire an image of the MSL descending under the parachute.<ref name="planetary"/>