ET on Monday, November 26, a group of researchers will be really sweating. That bottom is a crucial heat shield that is designed to protect the probe as it passes through the thin Martian atmosphere. The probe will first touch the atmosphere six minutes and 45 seconds before landing. Fifteen seconds later, explosives will blow the heat shield off, exposing the actual InSight probe hidden inside. Ten seconds after the heat shield falls away, the probe will extend its legs, much like an airplane extends its wheels before touching down.

Source: CNN November 25, 2018 22:17 UTC