Mars Reconnaisance Orbiter (MRO) |
USA |
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Artist's concept of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech |
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) will make high-resolution measurements of the surface from orbit. It will be equipped with a visible stereo imaging camera (HiRISE) with resolution much better than one meter and a visible/near-infrared spectrometer (CRISM) to study the surface composition. Also on board will be an infrared radiometer, an accelerometer, and a shallow subsurface sounding radar (SHARAD) to search for underground water.
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The orbiter will also be used as a telecommunications link for future missions (Electra UHF radio).
MRO has 1196 kg of hydrazine propellant, with six 170-Newton MR-107E Aerojet thrusters and six smaller 22-Newton MR-160E thrusters. The mutiple engines provide propulsion for course correction and Mars orbit insertion.
Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/Univ. of Arizona |
HiRISE captured the image on Feb. 16, 2012, while the orbiter passed over the Amazonis Planitia region of northern Mars. In the area
observed, paths of many previous whirlwinds, or dust devils, are visible as streaks on the dusty surface. The scene is a late-spring afternoon and the view covers an area about four-tenths of a mile (644 meters) across. North is toward the top. The length of the dusty whirlwind's shadow indicates the dust plume height. The plume is about 30 yards or meters in diameter. The image was taken during the time of Martian year when that planet is farthest from the sun. Just as on Earth, winds on Mars are powered by solar heating. |
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