MRO enters science orbit
Posted: Wed, Sep 13, 2006, 8:37 PM ET (0037 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
|
|
Thursday, September 11
The grief of a fandom: on Starship, Musk and losing the spark
Space News — 5:48 am ET (0948 GMT) Musk confident Starship will start launching 100 tons to orbit next year
Space News — 5:48 am ET (0948 GMT) Japan’s IHI expands constellation plans with SatVu thermal imaging partnership
Space News — 5:48 am ET (0948 GMT) How is the Space Force doing on getting the resources it needs?
Space News — 5:47 am ET (0947 GMT) SpaceX launches 21 satellites for Space Development Agency ‘Transport Layer’ military network
Space News — 5:47 am ET (0947 GMT) |
