[X] My Assistant

[Redstone]

MRO has shifted from the cruise phase to Approach phase. Apparently, the trajectory is so good that TCM-3 was cancelled. This is good news for the prospects for a long life for MRO supporting future missions. TCM-4 is on Feb 28, and MOI on March 10. Only 5 weeks away!

[edstrick]

With apollo, for both orbit insertion and trans-earth-insertion burns, there were 2 important times. The times of expected AOS <acquisition of signal>times: for 1.) if the engine burn did not occur, and for 2.) If the engine burn did occur.

On orbit insertion, a no-burn signal would be early.. an improper burn later, a nominal burn at a specific time.. and an overburn or kablooie if no signal shortly after the optimum burn time.

On TEI, a nominal burn gets you back into view early, as you've sped up in orbit.

To some extent, the same will apply here. If AOS is within a few tens of seconds of the expected time, it's likely we're in a good orbit.

[jmknapp]

Does anyone know which DSN stations and/or other facilities will be listening for MRO's signal as it emerges from behind Mars at 22:16UTC on March 10th? Which one will likely be the first to report the signal?

[RNeuhaus]

Does anyone know which DSN stations and/or other facilities will be listening for MRO's signal as it emerges from behind Mars at 22:16UTC on March 10th? Which one will likely be the first to report the signal?

I am thinking about why any of three present Mars Orbiters, ODY, MGS and MEX aren't capable as a relay of any signal from a new member MRO to Earth and viceversa? The rovers might be the witnesers with their PANCAM. Not sure about its proper localization at the MOI critical moments.

I think there's some confusion. The aimpoint altitude at MOI is 400 km, not anything lower. After MCO, they're unlikely to try anything much lower.

Maybe, the space portal: spaceflightnow is confused. Below is the extract:

To take full advantage of atmospheric braking, the low point of the orbit will be carefully reduced to around 62 miles (100 km). It will be raised, or "walked out," later, with the ultimate goal being a roughly circular orbit with a high point of at most 199 miles (320 km) and a low point as close as 158 miles (254 km) to the surface.

http://www.spaceflightnow.com/mars/mro/060224moipreview.html

Rodolfo

[mcaplinger]

Maybe, the space portal: spaceflightnow is confused.

You're quoting the altitude during aerobraking, not the altitude at MOI, which is much higher.