|
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080916214725im_/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mro/images/spacer.gif) |
Mission Timeline Summary |
![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20080916214725im_/http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov/mro/images/gray.gif) |
The phases of the mission include:
Pre-launch Activities |
2002 - Aug, 2005 |
Preparation for the mission, including assembly and testing, and delivery to Cape Canaveral |
Launch |
Aug, 2005 |
Lift-off from Earth |
Cruise |
Aug, 2005 - Mar, 2006 |
Voyage through space to Mars |
Approach |
Mar, 2006 |
Nearing the red planet |
Mars Orbit Insertion |
Mar, 2006 |
Capturing the spacecraft into orbit around Mars |
Aerobraking |
Mar, 2006 - Nov, 2006 |
Slowing down in the martian atmosphere and settling into a lower, circular orbit for science-data collecting |
Science Operations |
Nov, 2006 - Nov, 2008 |
Gathering information about Mars through the day-to-day activities of the orbiter |
Communications Relay |
Nov, 2008 - Dec, 2010 |
Using the orbiter to communicate with other landed missions |
Should NASA continue to need it, the orbiter will be able to continue providing relay services for as much as another 5 years beyond its planned end date.
|