UPDATED: Maven successfully enters Mars orbit https://youtube/watch?v=1Hm8b-L62y4#t=36 Shortly before 10p ET on Sunday, NASA plans on having its Maven spacecraft begin a maneuver to enter the Martian orbit. If the satellite successfully reaches its destination, it marks a huge accomplishment for NASAs first spaceship dedicated to exploring the Red Planets upper atmosphere. Maven, short for Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution, has gone 442 million miles during 10 months of interplanetary travel. But tonight marks the culmination of 11 years of planning and development, leaving Maven in position to begin the missions science phase. By closely monitoring Mars atmosphere, NASA hopes the satellite will allow them to investigate the planet like never before—launching thorough studies into Mars history, present climate, and potential to support life. NASAs most recent Maven update says all spacecraft systems are operating nominally and the orbiter is on track. According to the organization, tonights procedure involves having it turn in order to point its main engines in the proper direction before firing them to slow down the spacecraft enough to be captured into Mars orbit. The action starts at 9:30p ET, and NASA will broadcast Mavens evening activities online at nasa.gov/ntv.
Posted on: Mon, 22 Sep 2014 04:13:46 +0000
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