Aero Shell Ejection This is an on-going series. See Mars terraforming image links below. Post atmospheric entry the nitrogen/methane collection rig and the mission cargo module fly free of the ejected aero shells and heat shields. The vehicles are seen here as, still several miles in altitude, their descent thrusters fire -- shedding their remaining velocity in a powered descent. Both vehicles will make a powered descent and are designed to land in a horizontal attitude. The atmospheric collection rig (here seen foreground, mission cargo lander is seen in near-distance) is the working platform of the operation, it will collect, separate, and compress atmospheric nitrogen and methane for the Mars terraforming program. The working rig is approximately 145 feet in length, 60 feet in width, and carries its own integral nuclear power supply. Additional equipment is carried in the mission cargo lander – this includes collection tanks, and a water-reclamation drill rig which will harvest water for separation into hydrogen/oxygen for refueling the re-usable surface to orbit tanker not yet shown. Models constructed in Bryce 6.5 and rendered in Bryce 7 Pro. Some greeble-packs used in construction: Greeble Series 1-10 Created by Paul F. Hymen Ozylot's Greeble Pack V1.0 Created by Carl Fredsberg As always thank you for your interest, thoughtful comments, and encouragement.