That raises hope that similar microbes
所以说其他行星上
could exist on other planets.
也可能存在相似的微生物
So scientists are waiting with bated breath
于是科学家们屏住呼吸
to see what Curiosity will tell us
等待好奇号揭晓
about the conditions on ancient Mars.
远古火星的状态
They might not have been all that different
它可能与地球上的某些极端生物
to some of the places extreme life survives on Earth.
生活的环境颇为相似
But before Curiosity can begin its scientific mission,
但在开始它的科学征程之前
it first has to touch down safely
首先得确保好奇号
on the Red Planet's surface.
在这颗红色行星上安全着陆
With landing day now looming close,
着陆之日越来越近
the responsibility weighs heavily on the shoulders of lead engineer
首席工程师乔尔·克拉耶夫斯基
Joel Krajewski.
感到压力越来越大

重点解释：

1.touch down 【航空】着陆

例句：At last he touched down on the mainland.
最后他在大陆上着陆了。

2.on Earth 在地球上

例句：Antarctica is the loneliest place on Earth.
南极是地球上最偏远的地区。