The primary reason the Mars Science Laboratory (MSL), which carried the Curiosity rover, did not use airbags for landing is that the heavier weight of the MSL made airbag landing technology impractical. Unlike previous rovers such as Spirit and Opportunity, which were much lighter and could safely use airbag technology to bounce to the surface, Curiosity's mass and size required a different approach to ensure a successful landing. The MSL opted for a more sophisticated landing technique known as the "Sky Crane," which allowed for a safer descent and landing on its wheels, suitable for its design and mission requirements.
Why couldn't the Mars Science Laboratory land using airbags to bounce to the Martian surface from a parachute?
Scientists and engineers were concerned that the airbags could become tangled in the MSL.
The heavier weight of the MSL made airbag landing technology impractical.
Engineers were worried the airbags might deflate too soon.
The presence of liquid water made it necessary to land the rover on its wheels.
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