MRO enters science orbit
Posted: Wed, Sep 13, 2006, 7:37 PM ET (2337 GMT)
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft has completed the aerobraking phase of its mission and is now in its final orbit from which it will start scientific observations, project officials announced this week. MRO arrived at Mars on March 10, entering an elliptical orbit around the planet; from early April through the end of August the spacecraft modified its orbit through aerobraking, passing through the upper fringes of the Martian atmosphere to lower its orbital apogee. On Monday MRO fired its thrusters for its final orbital maneuver, entering its final near-circular polar orbit. MRO will begin scientific observations in November, after deploying its antenna and calibrating its instruments.
NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) spacecraft has completed the aerobraking phase of its mission and is now in its final orbit from which it will start scientific observations, project officials announced this week. MRO arrived at Mars on March 10, entering an elliptical orbit around the planet; from early April through the end of August the spacecraft modified its orbit through aerobraking, passing through the upper fringes of the Martian atmosphere to lower its orbital apogee. On Monday MRO fired its thrusters for its final orbital maneuver, entering its final near-circular polar orbit. MRO will begin scientific observations in November, after deploying its antenna and calibrating its instruments.
Related Links:
| <<previous article | next article>> |
|
news in brief
|
|
|
|
news links
|
|
Sunday, February 12
Final ‘go’ for Vega launch
ESA — 10:27 am ET (1527 GMT) Our spaceship has arrived: Museum of Flight takes delivery of Soyuz capsule
GeekWire — 9:01 am ET (1401 GMT) Glenn reflects on his mission, future of space
Zanesville (OH) Times-Recorder — 8:59 am ET (1359 GMT) A lawyer's idea of marketing
Las Cruces (NM) Sun-News — 8:59 am ET (1359 GMT) 'Hang me for so-called omission... but let them go through democratic process'
Indian Express — 8:57 am ET (1357 GMT) |