Mission to Mars Student Challenge: Plan Your Mission

Are you curious about what it takes to plan a mission to Mars? Look no further than this in-depth interview with Elizabeth Cordoba, a Payload Systems Engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, who provides insights into her role in the Perseverance Mars rover mission and the critical factors that must be considered when planning a mission to the Red Planet.

In this extended video, Elizabeth shares her experience working on the Perseverance mission, which launched in July 2020 and landed on Mars in February 2021. She discusses the challenges involved in designing and building the rover's complex instruments and systems, and the thrill of watching the rover successfully land on the Martian surface.

Elizabeth also provides an overview of the key considerations that must be taken into account when planning a mission to Mars. From the distance and timing of the journey to the landing site selection and the science objectives of the mission, she explains the complex factors that must be carefully weighed and balanced to ensure a successful mission.

As Elizabeth delves deeper into the intricacies of Mars mission planning, she also highlights the importance of teamwork and collaboration in achieving mission success. She shares her own experiences working with scientists, engineers, and other team members to develop innovative solutions to the challenges of Mars exploration, and how these collaborations have led to some of the most groundbreaking discoveries in planetary science.

By the end of the video, you'll have a deep understanding of the critical role that mission planning and engineering play in exploring Mars, and the exciting developments and discoveries that lie ahead in the quest to understand the mysteries of this fascinating planet. So sit back, relax, and join us for an illuminating conversation with Elizabeth Cordoba on the challenges and rewards of planning a mission to Mars.