Was it a lot of pressure?
Mars and Earth are only in this special configuration roughly every two years. So, if you miss this launch window, you have to wait two years before the next one. So yeah, there is a big pressure.
What was your role in the project?
Throughout the development of the project, I was the lead guidance navigation and control subsystem engineer. It is sort of like being the eyes and the ears of the spacecraft… My part as the subsystem engineer or the operations lead was primarily to be the interface between the guidance navigation and control team, and the rest of the project.
And on the day of the touchdown?
My focus was primarily on the cruise entry descent and landing system. So the parts separate… Most of that hardware actually is in different pieces on the ground on Mars (now) because during entry descent and landing, all of that hardware is jettisoned and cut off as its need is completed. It’s basically cut and release. By the time you get to the surface, only the Rover remains.
Were you nervous?
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