Gallery: Encapsulating the spacecraft

In Kennedy Space Center's Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility on October 25, technicians enclose the Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft within the Atlas rocket's nose cone for launch. The shroud protects the spacecraft from aerodynamic pressure and heating during ascent and gets jettisoned once the rocket leaves the Earth's atmosphere.

See our Mission Status Center for the latest news on the launch.

Photo credit: NASA

MSL PLACED ABOARD TRANSPORTER >

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