Space & Astronomy
Mars orbiter repositioned for rover landing
By
T.K. RandallJuly 26, 2012 ·
14 comments
Image Credit: NASA
The Mars Odyssey spacecraft has been repositioned ahead of August's Curiosity rover landing.
This change has been made to help NASA communicate with the rover as it attempts one of the most ambitious landing sequences ever undertaken. As the Mars Science Laboratory spacecraft reaches Mars the Earth will set below the Martian horizon, breaking the direct line of communication - by repositioning the Odyssey spacecraft in orbit around the planet it will be possible to maintain contact through a different, indirect route.
Confirmation that the rover has landed safely on the surface of Mars is currently expected to arrive at around 10:31pm PDT on August 5th.
NASA's Mars Odyssey spacecraft has successfully adjusted its orbital location to be in a better position to provide prompt confirmation of the August landing of the Curiosity rover.
Source:
NASA |
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