MSL Sky Crane 3d model

cgstudio

This is a highly detailed 3D model of a MSL Skycrane, a sturdy carrier of the MSL Curiosity Rover. Textures are provided in meticulous detail, including high-quality diffuse maps. The sky crane system skillfully lowered the rover to the Martian surface with a secure 7.6 m (25 ft) tether attached to soft landing wheels. This ingenious system consists of a bridle lowering the rover on three durable nylon tethers and an electrical cable transmitting vital information and power between the descent stage and rover. As support and data cables uncoiled, the rover's six powerful motorized wheels snapped into place at precisely 7.5 m (25 ft) below the descent stage. The sky crane system then slowed to a halt, allowing the rover to touch down safely on Martian soil. Following touchdown, the rover waited for a mere 2 seconds to confirm its solid grounding by detecting weight on the wheels before firing several pyrotechnic devices to activate cable cutters on the bridle and umbilical cords, freeing itself from the descent stage. The descent stage then flew away to a controlled crash landing approximately 650 m (2,100 ft) away. The MSL Skycrane powered descent landing system was a pioneering achievement in space exploration, marking its maiden voyage in this mission.