
NASA Banner
NASA Mars Exploration Program
Mars Exploration Program


High-Flying Test Rides

This image shows the underside of a grey F/A-18 jet with dark stripes flying against a blue sky from quite a distance away. Underneath the jet is a pod carrying sensors that measure the jet's temperature, pressure and vibration.

When you have just one chance to land Mars' biggest rover, you have to practice - a lot. So, how do you copy a high-speed descent on Mars? Strap special sensors to an F/A-18 jet at NASA's Dryden Flight Research Center. Fly as high as 100 of the world's tallest roller coasters stacked on top of each other. As the plane turns and spins like the spacecraft, measure the temperature, pressure, and vibration.

These thrilling test rides help engineers prepare for similar flights next spring to test the landing radar. The radar will measure the spacecraft's speed and altitude as it makes a safe touchdown. Then, the F/A-18 will dive to the ground from 50,000 feet. This nosedive will mimic the spacecraft's entry, descent, and landing on Mars. Not for the faint-of-heart, these are critical tests for the heart-pounding real thing!

All News