Schiaparelli descending (45 km from surface)
Artist's impression of the Schiaparelli module as it passes through the Martian atmosphere, about 45 km above the surface.
On 19 October 2016, the module will enter the atmosphere at an altitude of about 120 km above the surface, travelling at a speed of 21 000 km/h (5.83 km/s). Six minutes later it will touch down on Meridiani Planum.
About 71 s after entering the atmosphere the exterior of the module will experience the hottest temperatures of the descent. This happens about 45 km above the surface, at which stage the module is travelling at roughly 19 000 km/h.Last Update: 1 September 2019