Aerobraking - Archive |
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What is Aerobraking?
Aerobraking is a spaceflight technique wherein an orbiting spacecraft
brushes against the top of a planetary atmosphere. The friction of the
atmosphere against the surface of the spacecraft slows down and lowers
the craft's orbital altitude. The solar panels are used to provide the
maximum drag in a symmetrical position that allows some control as the
spacecraft passes through the atmosphere.
Instead of using onboard jets and propellant to adjust a spacecraft's
orbit, aerobraking uses the atmosphere as both a brake and a steering
wheel. The technique, however, shares more elements with sailing than
with driving: successful aerobraking depends upon precise navigation,
knowledge of weather and a solid understanding of the forces the craft
can withstand. [ MORE... ]
The Aerobraking Wizard: See real-time views of where Odyssey is in its aerobraking orbits around Mars, its orbital speed, and many more details.
Link to the Aerobraking Wizard key.
See the aerobraking video, which describes how navigation team members slow the spacecraft down and bring Odyssey into its circular, science mapping orbit.
To find out what Odyssey will be studying at Mars, take a look at
Odyssey's science goals, the technology
that will make discoveries possible, or hear directly from some of Odyssey's
lead scientists: Bill Boynton from
the University of Arizona, Phil Christensen
from Arizona State University, and Frank Cucinotta from Johnson Space Center.
Phase after Aerobraking: Mapping and Communications Relay
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