Google Cloud Platform Certifications

Curiosity landing simulation

It always baffled me how NASA and other space agencies of the world used to land various spacecrafts and rovers in various planetary surfaces. How many variables and also the consideration that anything can happen at any point of time. This was realized when NASA provided with a very simplified version of various parameters of the MARS Curiosity Landing in a simulation through Khan Academy Website. The simulation can be found here: http://bit.ly/1j7Q1yA. You too can try this new simulation from NASA.
Snapshot of the simulation:

The objective of this simulation: Can you guide Curiosity, the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL)
 safely through entry, descent and landing (EDL)?
This can be done through controlling various parameters like

• angle of attack- angle at which MSL enters the atmosphere relative to the surface
• SUFR- Velocity below which MSL executes straighten up and fly right. 
• Parachute- Time at which parachute is deployed
• Heat shield- Time at which heat shield is jettisoned
• Back shell- Altitude at which the backshell with the parachute is detached
• Free fall- Time that MSL spends in free fall after back shell separates and before retro rockets fire
• Constant velocity- Height at which MSL aims to achieve constant velocity
• Sky crane- Height at which MSL starts to descend through sky crane

After many unsuccessful attempts, I finally made the MSL land perfectly on the MARS surface. A perfect moment for me!!!

Snapshot:

This was really fun. Great simulation from NASA and it was really nice for KHAN Academy to share it!!!!