Here's a Quick Guide to the Mission Section:
WHERE IS THE ORBITER NOW?:
MISSION TEAM:
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MISSION TEAM |
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The people who are making this mission possible
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LAUNCH VEHICLE, SPACECRAFT, & INSTRUMENTS:
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LAUNCH VEHICLE |
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Learn all about the rocket that launched the spacecraft
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MISSION TIMELINE:
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PRE-LAUNCH ACTIVITIES |
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Preparation for the mission, including assembly and testing, delivery to Cape Canaveral and mission rehearsals
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LAUNCH |
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Lift-off from Earth
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CRUISE |
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Voyage through space
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APPROACH |
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Nearing the red planet Mars
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MARS ORBIT INSERTION |
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Capture into a looping orbit around Mars
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AEROBRAKING |
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Using the martian atmosphere to slow down and achieve the proper science orbit
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SCIENCE OPERATIONS |
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Learning about Mars through the day-to-day activities of the orbiter
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COMMUNICATIONS RELAY |
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Support Mars exploration by providing communications support for future missions
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COMMUNICATIONS WITH EARTH:
