Horizon Season 2012 Episode 13 Mission to Mars

Mission to Mars is an intriguing episode of the television series, Horizon, which first aired in 2012. The episode explores the groundbreaking mission to the red planet undertaken by NASA’s Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) and its rover, Curiosity.

At the heart of this episode is the question of what drives us as humans to explore the unknown and venture further into space than we have ever gone before. The episode features interviews with key figures from the MSL team, including NASA Administrator, Charles Bolden, and Deputy Project Scientist, Joy Crisp, who provide insight into the mission’s complexity and what they hope to achieve with it.

The episode begins with an introduction to the MSL mission, detailing how it represents a significant step forward in Mars exploration, incorporating technological advancements that allow greater scientific investigation of the planet’s geology, climate, and habitability. Crucially, MSL is equipped with a sophisticated chemistry laboratory, which enables scientists to carry out experiments on Mars without the need to return samples to Earth.

From here, the episode delves into the planning and execution of the mission, detailing the intense preparation required to successfully launch and guide Curiosity to the Martian surface. This involves extensive testing of the rover and lander, as well as advanced simulations to prepare for the complex sequence of events required to land Curiosity on the planet.

The episode highlights the significant risks involved in such a mission, including the high likelihood of failure, due to the harsh conditions and unpredictable nature of Mars. Indeed, the episode reveals that more than half of all Mars missions launched by various countries in the past have failed, a testament to the formidable challenges of exploring the planet.

Despite these risks, the MSL team ultimately decides to push ahead with the mission, driven by the desire to unlock the mysteries of Mars and answer key questions about its history and potential for life. This determination is reflected in the launch itself, which is captured in stunning detail in the episode, featuring footage of the Atlas V rocket lifting off from Earth and hurtling towards the red planet.

The episode then follows Curiosity on its incredible journey to Mars, featuring a range of scientific insights into the planet, including its geology, atmosphere, and potential for supporting life. Throughout the mission, the MSL team must navigate through numerous obstacles, including dust storms and natural hazards, to ensure that Curiosity arrives safely on the Martian surface.

Once on the planet, the rover begins to explore its surroundings, taking measurements and collecting samples of rock, soil, and other materials. This process is accompanied by interviews with key members of the team, who reveal their excitement at the possibility of discovering new insights into the planet’s history and potential for life.

The episode also explores the significance of the MSL mission for future space exploration, detailing how it represents a major step forward in our understanding of Mars and increasing our chances of eventually sending humans to the planet. This is exemplified by interviews with experts such as Astrophysicist Neil DeGrasse Tyson, who provide a broader context for the mission and highlight its importance in the broader quest to explore the cosmos.

Overall, Mission to Mars is a fascinating and inspiring episode of Horizon, providing a detailed and comprehensive insight into one of the most significant space missions of our time. It shows how the desire to explore the unknown and push our limits as humans drives us to undertake such daring and ambitious projects, and highlights the immense scientific and technological challenges involved. As such, it is a must-see for anyone interested in the possibilities of space exploration and the quest to unlock the secrets of the universe.