Schiaparelli descending (12 km above the surface)
Date: 20 June 2016
Satellite: Schiaparelli
Copyright: ESA/ATG medialab
Artist's impression of the Schiaparelli module as it passes through the Martian atmosphere, 12 km above the surface.
On 19 October 2016, the module will enter the atmosphere at an altitude of about 120 km above the surface, travelling at a speed of 21 000 km/h (5.83 km/s). Six minutes later it will touch down on Meridiani Planum.
At 12 km, the module is travelling about 2000 km/h, has passed the point of maximum heat flux (at 45 km) and is starting to cool. By the time the module is 11 km above the surface it will be travelling at about 1700 km/h and will be ready to deploy a parachute to slow it further.
Last Update: 1 September 2019
