Science and Space

space and astronomy articles.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter successfully launched

NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO). began its journey to Mars on 12 August 2005

The orbiter carries six scientific instruments for examining the surface, atmosphere and subsurface of Mars in unprecedented detail from low orbit of 150 miles. Researchers will use the instruments to learn more about the history and distribution of Mars’ water. That information will improve understanding of planetary climate change and will help guide the quest to answer whether Mars ever supported life. The orbiter will also evaluate potential landing sites for future missions. MRO will use its high-data-rate communications system to relay information between Mars surface missions and Earth.

Flying over both Martian poles, the new spacecraft will cover Mars’ entire surface for nearly two years during its $720 million mission, pinpointing features as small as a desk top and probing nearly half a mile deep beneath the planet’s shifting sands with specialized Italian-built radar.

Mars is 72 million miles from Earth today, but the spacecraft will travel more than four times that distance on its outbound-arc trajectory to intercept the red planet on March 10, 2006.

The orbiter’s primary mission ends about five-and-a-half years after launch, on December 31, 2010.

Nasa is planning two further Mars missions this decade: the Phoenix module, set for launch in 2007, and Mars Science Laboratory in 2009.

posted by: kyawoo at 03:07 | link | comments |
unmanned missions, mars

Comments: