New Mars Orbiter Launched

[Cpl Kendall]

Global Security

NASA Launches Mars Orbiter

12 August 2005 (RFE/RL) -- The U.S. space agency today launched the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, the largest and most sophisticated probe ever sent to the red planet.

A glitch in computer software and sensors that monitor the fueling of the rocket used during liftoff forced NASA to delay the launch, which had been scheduled for earlier this week.

Scientists hope the $720-million unmanned spacecraft will provide unprecedented information on the planet's weather, climate, and geology. The orbiter is expected to arrive at its destination in March and spend at least four years circling Mars.

If the Mars orbiter is successful, NASA plans to send two additional probes to the planet's surface for further research.

[Josh]

If you look at the lower right-hand quadrant, that's where one of my planned estates will be. I'm going to have another one on the southern pole, and I'm pondering starting planning on yet another.

[Mayabird]

When Mars is terraformed, I'd like some seafront property. Or lakefront property. Heck, I'd take a stream. I'm not picky; I just want some water. Mars would look nice with some blue on it, I say.

[frigidmagi]

Given the perma frost and ice caps, getting you your water is just a question of thickening Mar's astmosphere and heating it up (and they told me the greenhouse effect was useless!)