The Maven NASA probe will analyze the atmosphere & # XE8, re Mars & # xE0, from September 2014
The Maven NASA probe will analyze the Martian atmosphere from September 2014 – NASA / Goddard

20 minutes with AFP

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The American spacecraft Maven, first probe to unravel the mysteries of the disappearance of much the atmosphere of Mars in the distant past, has managed its insertion into orbit of the red planet early Monday, said NASA.

applause had resounded in the control room of the mission when the insertion of the probe was confirmed, according to images from NASA broadcast live. “After ten months of travel and 711 million kilometers, Maven arrived in orbit”, had said shortly after NASA on its website. The insertion was made after engine ignition sensor for about thirty minutes to slow its speed.



Where did the water of Mars

” As first orbiter to study the upper atmosphere of Mars, Maven will significantly increase our understanding of the history of the Martian atmosphere and how the climate has changed over time and the impact on the evolution of the environment the surface and the potential habitability of the planet, “said in a statement Sunday night the boss of NASA, Charles Bolden.

” Maven will also better prepare for future human missions to the Red Planet in 2030 years, “he added. This is a provisional orbit. Maven will now begin a five-week period calibration of its instruments before placing on a final elliptical orbit half past four, which will provide comments at all latitudes, all layers of the Martian upper atmosphere with an altitude of 150 km to over 6000 km.

“The Maven Mission –Of duration of an– seek to answer the questions of where did all the water was on Mars in the distant as well as carbon dioxide (CO2) past, “explained Bruce Jakosky formerly of the University of Colorado, the scientist in charge of Maven.