Description:

This is a 3d detailed model of a MSL Skycrane. It is a carrier of a MSL Curiosity Rover.

Textures:

Detailed textures are provided including diffuse. Maximum dimension of textures are 4096 pixels. Photoshop files available to modify diffuse map.

History:

The sky crane system lowered the rover with a 7.6 m (25 ft) tether to a soft landing wheels downon the surface of Mars. This system consists of a bridle lowering the rover on three nylon tethers and an electrical cable carrying information and power between the descent stage and rover. As the support and data cables unreeled, the rover's six motorized wheels snapped into position. At roughly 7.5 m (25 ft) below the descent stage the sky crane system slowed to a halt and the rover touched down. After the rover touched down, it waited 2 seconds to confirm that it was on solid ground by detecting the weight on the wheels and fired several pyros (small explosive devices) activating cable cutters on the bridle and umbilical cords to free itself from the descent stage. The descent stage flew away to a crash landing 650 m (2,100 ft) away. The sky crane powered descent landing system had never been used in missions before. (wiki)