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  • The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter: Completion of the Primary Science Phase; Plans for the Extended Science Phase

    Paper number

    IAC-09.A3.3A.3

    Author

    Mr. James K. Erickson, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), United States

    Year

    2009

    Abstract
    The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) is the newest operating spacecraft in the fleet surrounding the Red Planet.  Launched in August of 2005, MRO arrived at Mars on March 10, 2006 and began a series of dips into the Martian atmosphere to change the orbit of the spacecraft from the highly elliptical arrival orbit to a nearly circular science orbit.  After achieving the desired science orbit, the Primary Science Phase began in November 2006.  This paper is reporting on the completion of the Primary Science Phase on November 18, 2008, as well as the plans for the Extended Science Phase that began December of 2008.  The mission has returned a treasure trove of over 73 Terabits of science data, while supporting the Mars Program as both a relay asset and the premier source for landing site analysis and validation.  Detailing the science plans and results, as well as the engineering plans and history during this period, this paper will convey to the reader the record breaking achievements of the mission to date – the fascinating images from the cameras and imaging spectrometer, the atmospheric discoveries, the unique look beneath the surface achieved by the sounding radar, as well as the engineering challenges and accomplishments that enabled these discoveries.
    Abstract document

    IAC-09.A3.3A.3.pdf

    Manuscript document

    (absent)