GETTING INTO MARTIAN ORBIT

1

Journey to Mars

After blasting off from Earth and separating from its Atlas V rocket, the MRO begins its steady journey into deep space. 2 Readjusting trajectory After seven months of travel, the MRO reorientates to align its thrust vector. The craft then fires its engines to reduce its velocity. 3 Darkened entrance Due to the trajectory that they often travel from Earth, some craft begin orbit insertion while they are in eclipse.

4

Adjusting speed

Now entering orbital insertion at an angle of 93 degrees, the MRO begins to slow down via aerobraking and enters a lowaltitude orbit.

5

Phoning home

The MRO begins imaging the surface of Mars. These debut images are then sent back to NASA on Earth.