The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) might look like this as it orbits Mars.
Click on image for full size
Image courtesy NASA/JPL-Caltech.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) is the name of a robot spacecraft. MRO is orbiting Mars right now. MRO will start taking pictures of Mars and gathering data in November 2006. It will keep taking pictures and gathering data for two years after that. MRO won't land on Mars. It will study Mars from orbit.

MRO is a big spacecraft. It has a really good camera on it. The camera will be able to spot things on the surface of Mars that are about as small as a dinner plate.

MRO will also study the atmosphere of Mars. The spacecraft has an instrument called a spectrometer. The spectrometer will make a map of the minerals on the surface of Mars. MRO also has radar. It will use the radar to search for ice underground on Mars.

MRO will make better maps of Mars. It will help scientists decide where future missions to Mars should go. It might even help us decide where the first people who go to Mars should land!

Last modified March 21, 2006 by Randy Russell.

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