Resumen de Reading the red planet.

John P. Grotzinger, Ashwin Vasavada

• The article discusses the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration's plan to launch the Mars Science Laboratory (Curiosity) in August 2012 in order to ascertain whether the planet Mars once had habitable conditions. Topics include scientists' exploration of Mars' geology and hydrology, how the Curiosity rover will search for organic compounds in the Gale Crater, and how the Curiosity is the largest space capsule to enter another planet's atmosphere. Additional information is presented on the Curiosity's landing sequence and instruments for examining rocks and soil.