Entry, descent, and landing

Using the stars to navigate, the cruise stage will perform several trajectory correction maneuvers during this time to adjust the spacecraft's path toward its final, precise landing site on Mars at the Gale Crater. The on-board propulsion system, consisting of eight thrusters to be fired on command using hydrazine fuel in two titanium tanks, will be adjusting the spacecraft's position relative to stars in our Milky Way galaxy.

At about 81 miles, the entry, descent, and landing (EDL) phase begins when the spacecraft reaches the Martian atmosphere. EDL maneuvers include a combination of technologies used during past NASA Mars missions, as well as new technologies. Instead of the familiar airbag landing of past Mars missions, Mars Science Laboratory will use a guided entry and a sky crane touchdown system to land the hypercapable, massive rover.