To the Point
Mars Rover 'Curiosity' Approaches the Red Planet
In two days, the rover Curiosity is scheduled to land on Mars. We find out what's at stake for the mission, space exploration and the search for life in the universe.
By Warren Olney • • 51m ListenIn just two days, the rover Curiosity is scheduled to land on Mars, after automatic maneuvers that stretch the boundaries of credibility. We find out how, why, and what's at stake for the mission, the future of space exploration and the search for life elsewhere in the universe. Also, spinning the July jobs report, and unfinished business in Washington.
In this episode
3 storiesSpinning the July Jobs Report
Today's monthly report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics allowed for different interpretations. President Obama touted the increase in jobs for creating "the security that comes with work." Mitt Romney called it "another hammer blow to the struggling middle class families of America."
Read the story8 minThe Mars Landing and 'Seven Minutes of Terror'
On Sunday evening in Pasadena — Monday morning in Times Square — a scientific laboratory is schedule to land on the surface of Mars.With Mars roughly 154 million miles away, the landing can't be controlled from Earth. The Mars rover " Curiosity " is designed to slow down from 13,000 miles an hour to zero in just seven minutes — automatically.
Read the story36 minBills Left on Hold as Congress Goes on Recess
Forget about drought relief for farmers and ranchers or cyber-security for critical infrastructure. Congress has recessed for five weeks of political campaigning. The House and the Senate adjourned yesterday, and won't return for more than a month, leaving behind a lot of unfinished business.
Read the story7 min
