How NASA slows a spacecraft from 12,100 mph to a crawl on Mars

This animation reel visualizes the intense seven-minute entry, descent, and landing sequence of the Perseverance rover. It provides a clear look at the physics required to safely deliver a spacecraft from the top of the Martian atmosphere to the surface of Jezero Crater.

On February 18, 2021, the Perseverance rover executed a complex landing sequence designed to transition the spacecraft from a high-speed entry to a gentle touchdown. Over the course of approximately seven minutes, the vehicle decelerated from roughly 12,100 mph (19,500 kph) to a final landing speed of about 2 mph (3 kph).

Beyond the landing itself, the mission aims to search for evidence of ancient microbial life, gather Martian rock and regolith samples, and study the planet's climate and geology. These efforts are intended to establish a foundation for future human exploration of Mars.

Source: NASA's Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Landing Animations