Tension-only, moment-free, separation mechanism for Mars Science Laboratory aeroshell

Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company is involved in the design and manufacture of the aeroshell for the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) rover, an upcoming NASA-JPL mission to Mars. During entry into the Martian atmosphere, the aeroshell primarily protects the rover, as the spacecraft passes through extreme heating and dynamic pressure environments. After entering the atmosphere, and decelerating, the nine separation mechanisms, located at the Backshell to Heatshield interface, separate the aeroshell at the seam between the Heatshield (the lee-side, or entry half, of the aeroshell) and the Backshell (the aft-side of the aeroshell), to enable the successful deployment of the lander.