interplanetary trajectories and navigation, management of spacecraft resources, and the implementation of autonomous systems. Having finished the demonstration of its technical objectives, the Mars Orbiter Mission is now only focused on science operations - initially classed as a bonus. Image: Indian Space Research Organization Operating its five instruments, MOM gathers data on the composition of the rarified outer atmosphere of Mars, the composition and variation of the Martian surface, the methane content in the atmosphere, and surface features that are imaged by the Mars Color Camera which can deliver closer photos when the spacecraft is in the lower portion of its orbit up to full-disk images of Mars when further from the planet. Although data and imagery is being received from MOM, no new photos or results were released by the mission in recent weeks. However, NASA and ISRO have confirmed that both agencies would start working together to exchange data from the MOM mission and NASAs MAVEN spacecraft since both spacecraft carry instruments that study the composition and variability of the Martian atmosphere. Having passed all obstacles on the way to Mars and looking at a comfortable propellant reserve, teams are confident that MOM will continue operating for quite some time. The Mission Team is looking forward to future scientific observations with MOM and learning more valuable lessons each day the mission continues which will be extremely valuable for future missions that will undoubtedly be more ambitious. Indias Mars Orbiter collects Photos of Comet Siding Spring Flyby November 12, 2014 The Indian Mars Orbiter Mission has released its initial data on Comet Siding Spring’s close encounter with Mars back on October 19 that was the focus of a detailed scientific study involving all spacecraft currently operating in orbit around or on the surface of the red planet. MOM itself was able to capture several images of the comet’s coma as Siding Spring approached to a distance of 139,500 Kilometers to the Mars – delivering an excessive amount of cometary material to the planet as shown in initial data released by other Mars missions. ISRO joined NASA’s and ESA’s missions by maneuvering the Mars Orbiter into a safe slot for the period of greatest risk of damage to the spacecraft as a result of particle impacts. Although the risk was considered low, MOM was commanded to perform an engine burn to slightly adjust its orbit to be behind Mars when the planet traveled trough the dust trail left by the comet around 100 minutes after the closest approach. Image: Indian Space Research Organization ★★★MSS★★★
Posted on: Thu, 15 Jan 2015 11:13:14 +0000
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