MSL landing sites Options

[tuvas]

As there are some pictures being released from HiRISE of proposed MSL landing sites, I thought I'd give you what little I know about the process. As of the HiRISE team meeting a month ago or so, there were about 40 proposed sites to land MSL. These sites were prioritized, and are being photographed roughly in priority order. Each site requires a picture from each of the 3 main cameras (CTX, CRISM, and HiRISE) in their highest resolution in order to proceed. If it's determined that there can be a safe landing site, as well as interesting science targets, then they will advance to the next level, where I presume they will "wallpaper" the areas with HiRISE and CRISM (CTX, well, they get the whole landing ellipse in one shot, I think...). They likely will also photograph science areas near the proposed sites to look for interesting targets. After that, well, your guess is as good as mine. Note that none of this is official, but it's what I would expect. Also note that the landing site selection is still opened to new suggestions, the ones they have so far are not a complete list. The priority also doesn't mean anything right now other than they are the targets which will be photographed first, these priorities are still subject to change. But, well, I thought I'd send this out there for you all sink your teeth on, it really is quite interesting!

[peter59]

MSL landing site should be scientifically valuable, but should be spectacular also. Eberswalde is not very spectacular, Holden and Gale are spectacular. In case of similar scientific value, important PR aspect should be taken into consideration. Potential disappointment of simple US taxpayer can decrease support for next Mars missions.

[Tman]

MSL landing site should be scientifically valuable, but should be spectacular also. Eberswalde is not very spectacular, Holden and Gale are spectacular.

In terms of spectacular views may Eberswalde pale, but in terms of to be the most spectacular delta on Mars that probably grew in long-standing water does Eberswalde glint. To enthuse they have only to show similar delta pictures from Earth along with the explanation that large deltas are great places for life... ok probably better not, but that there is a high potential for preserved organic matter. And that crater is older than Holden.