Just the fact that it gets into space
它能成功进入太空
and we start talking to it for the first time
并与我们首次取得联络
is an incredible achievement.
就是一次了不起的成就
It's spacecraft separation.
现在是航天器分离的画面
It's the first big step on the way to Mars.
这是迈向火星第一个重要步骤
But any damage caused by the launch
但是发射对好奇号内部组件
to Curiosity's components
造成的损害
might not be immediately obvious.
也许无法被立刻观察到
So, for the past eight months,
在过去的八个月中
the engineers have needed to stay in careful contact,
工程师们一直与其保持密切联络
to check its course and its vital signs.
以检查其运行状态和重要数据
They need to be sure that they receive
他们得确保接收到了
every message sent back by the rover...
火星车发回来的所有数据
and that every instruction they give
同时他们发出的指令
will be heard loud and clear.
也能被准确地接收到

重点解释：

1.in contact 有联系

例句：I came in contact with her by telephone.
我和她通过电话联络。

2.send back 被送回

例句：I was sent back to clean up the mess.
我被派回来收拾残局。