Stages of Landing

    1.  The cruise stage ends when the solar panels and top cover separates from the shell ( heat shield,

        parachute, sky crane, and the rover ).

    2.  The shell uses short burts of fire to adjust for the entry.

    3.  All communications are terminated as friction builds and heats up the shell. The heat shield will protect the

        delicate insides of the shell.

    4.  The parachute is released, slowing the shell down.

    5.  The heat shield separates to let the sky crane drop down.

    6.  The backshell separates from the sky crane and rover.

    7.  The sky crane powers up its rockets to hover above the Martian surface.

    8.  The sky crane slowly lowers Curiosity.

    9.  As soon as the rover touches the surface, the tether separates from the rover.

  10.  After the tether separates from the rover, the sky crane flies away as far as it can from Curiosity.

  11.  Curiosity awaits further directions from Mars.