Mars Landing

InSight is set to touch down on Mars at around noon Pacific (3 p.m. Eastern) on Nov. 26, 2018. The lander will plunge through the thin Martian atmosphere, heatshield first, and use a parachute to slow down. Then, it will fire its retro rockets to slowly descend to the surface of Mars, and land on the smooth plains of Elysium Planitia.

Read more about the Entry, Descent and Landing.

Why is InSight Landing at Elysium Planitia?

InSight’s goal is to study the interior of Mars and take the planet’s vital signs, its pulse, and temperature. To look deep into Mars, the lander must be at a place where it can stay still and quiet for its entire mission. That’s why scientists chose Elysium Planitia as InSight’s home.

Read more about InSight’s landing site, Elysium Planitia.