What will happen during Mars Orbit Insertion?
Odyssey will approach Mars at a speed of 5.907 kilometers per second, or 13,214 miles per hour. At a distance of 1,547 kilometers (961 miles) from Mars, the spacecraft is readied for the engine firing that will brake its approach speed and allow Odyssey to be captured into Mars’ orbit. The Mars orbit insertion “burn,” as it is called, is the sole purpose of Odyssey’s main engine. The 266 kilograms of propellant (587pounds) of hydrazine fuel and nitrogen tetroxide oxidizer that will mix in the controlled combustion of the engine firing represent nearly half the weight of the entire spacecraft. The engine provides 695 newtons, or 156 pounds of thrust. As a result of the burn, Odyssey’s speed will change by 1.420 kilometers per second or 3,176 miles per hour. The 19.7-minute burn will reduce the spacecraft’s speed, relative to Mars, to 4.582 kilometers per second, or 10,250 miles per hour. Step One: Turn off the Fault Protection Software One of the first steps in the orbit insertion proce
