Will MRO be able to observe MSL EDL?

[Micahgtb]

I can't remember which spacecraft it was but I thought I remembered reading that MRO was able to record the EDL. I'm wondering (and hoping) if MRO will be able to do the same with MSLs EDL. Any clues?

[Lee Jay]

They're going to give it a try, with no guarantees.  They set the bar pretty high with that Phoenix image.

[Sparky]

Seeing Curiosity being lowered by a hovering machine suspended by exhaust plumes would be amazing.

[hop]

Seeing Curiosity being lowered by a hovering machine suspended by exhaust plumes would be amazing.

You won't see that. Here's the Phoenix image  http://www.uahirise.org/images/2008/details/cut/PSP_008579_9020_cut.jpg (from http://www.uahirise.org/phoenix-descent.php)

They might conceivably get something marginally better of MSL, but don't expect to see details of the lander or rover. Getting the image Phoenix was an amazing achievement.

[mdmcgrory]

I thought Curiosity had the ability to send a medium data rate through EDL just because it was a flagship mission? I thought it was orbiter independent? No?

[Jim]

I thought Curiosity had the ability to send a medium data rate through EDL just because it was a flagship mission? I thought it was orbiter independent? No?

It is orbiter independent once roving.  But it is impossible to send anything but semaphores during EDL.  Being a flagship has nothing to do with it.

[Micahgtb]

So much better than expected!   http://www.nasa.gov/images/content/673727main_PIA15980-full_full.jpg