Mars orbiter reaches Red Planet

Posted on: Mar. 11th, 2006 || Source: news.bbc.co.uk | E-mail Article | Print Article

Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has survived a critical phase in its mission by parking itself in an elliptical orbit around the Red Planet.

News of its success followed a tense period of radio silence while the spacecraft passed behind Mars.

Over the next six months, the probe will steadily reduce the size of its orbit until it reaches an optimal position to start scientific studies.

MRO will examine the Martian surface and atmosphere in unprecedented detail.

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