Here's a Quick Guide to the Mission Section:
ORBITER UPDATE:
WHERE IS THE ORBITER NOW?:
MISSION TEAM:
 |
MISSION TEAM |
|
The people who are making this mission possible
|
LAUNCH VEHICLE, SPACECRAFT, & INSTRUMENTS:
 |
LAUNCH VEHICLE |
|
Learn all about the rocket that launched the spacecraft
|
MISSION TIMELINE:
 |
PRE-LAUNCH ACTIVITIES |
|
Preparation for the mission, including assembly and testing, delivery to Cape Canaveral and mission rehearsals
|
 |
 |
LAUNCH |
|
Lift-off from Earth
|
 |
 |
CRUISE |
|
Voyage through space
|
 |
 |
APPROACH |
|
Nearing the red planet Mars
|
 |
 |
MARS ORBIT INSERTION |
|
Capture into a looping orbit around Mars
|
 |
 |
AEROBRAKING |
|
Using the martian atmosphere to slow down and achieve the proper science orbit
|
 |
 |
SCIENCE OPERATIONS |
|
Learning about Mars through the day-to-day activities of the orbiter
|
 |
 |
COMMUNICATIONS RELAY |
|
Support Mars exploration by providing communications support for future missions
|
COMMUNICATIONS WITH EARTH: