After launching their latest Mars satellite, NASA’s creation, named Maven, has successfully entered Mars’ orbit.
For 1o months, Maven had been hurling through space when its thrusters were fired to slam on the brakes.
This sudden braking allowed Maven’s speed to decrease enough for the satellite to be captured by Mars’ gravity.
Maven has been sent to study the atmosphere of Mars and discover why most of its air has vanished. Scientists believe that water once existed on the Red Planet.
Today however, any water on the surface of Mars would boil away rapidly due to extremely low air pressure.
The aim of this mission is for scientists to gain a better understanding of not only Mars’ current climate, but also gain knowledge of its climate from billions of years ago when the climate was warmer and possibly liveable.
The Sun’s influence on the planet will be one aspect studied focusing on how much energy it puts into Mars and its surrounding atmosphere.
Article written by Charlotte Cull
One Response
Omg