The 'Seven Minutes of Terror' defining our reach to Mars

Space · Published 8 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Landing on Mars is a high-stakes engineering gamble where every second counts. From the first Viking landings to the complex sky crane maneuvers used for Perseverance, NASA has had to constantly reinvent how we touch down on the Red Planet to overcome increasingly difficult terrain.

NASA refers to the Entry, Descent, and Landing (EDL) phase as the "seven minutes of terror." This period is a result of reasoned engineering designed to transition a spacecraft from orbital speeds to a safe surface touchdown. Because each mission presents unique design challenges, engineers must balance safety with the need to reach scientifically valuable locations.

The evolution of landing technology reflects a history of cost-reduction and scaling. The Viking missions were successful despite having minimal pre-launch site information. This success led to the development of airbags for Mars Pathfinder in 1997, which subsequently enabled the landings of Spirit and Opportunity. As rovers grew larger and more capable, NASA had to invent the "sky crane" maneuver specifically for Curiosity and Perseverance.

Modern missions like Perseverance, which landed in Jezero Crater on February 18, 2021, utilize advanced navigation techniques to reach sites previously considered too risky. These choices are made through a rigorous pre-launch process that identifies terrain safe enough for landing while still providing the specific geological features required to search for signs of life and pave the way for future human exploration.

Simultaneously, digital simulations allow for deeper exploration of these mechanics. In titles like 'Take On Mars,' players can engage in manual landings and explore new locations to probe and understand the Martian environment, mirroring the intensive planning and expertise required by real-world space agencies.

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