MSL Artist's Concept (February 2007) Options

[centsworth_II]

Photo is taken from drop/landing testing.
Don't think they are calling it "skycrane" testing

So it's no longer the skycrane maneuver, but the drop/landing maneuver?

[lyford]

JPL has permission to use the images of the Mini Cooper to show comparisions.

But maybe they don't have permission to use the name "Skycrane" from Erickson who bought it from Sikorsky in 1992...
Interestingly, Erickson prefers the name Aircrane for its line now...

I don't care what it's named as long as it works! (Then I will call it "The Amazing Landing System.")

[Jim from NSF.com]

So it's no longer the skycrane maneuver, but the drop/landing maneuver?

Didn't say that.

[centsworth_II]

"...the final part of the landing system, which, for Mars
Science Laboratory, is a new one called 'Sky Crane.'"
http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00000970/

Better start aiming for precision right now:
...the final part of the landing system, which, for Mars
Science Laboratory, is a maneuver called "Sky Crane,"
would be better.

I predict that before all is said and done, Emily will have
to devote an entry of her blog to a detailed discussion
of the terms: landing system, landing maneuver,
lander, and descent stage as they relate to "Sky Crane."