History Created as India Dares Unknown and Achieves Near Impossible.....Arrives in Mars Orbit

universetoday.com ^ | September 24, 2014 | Ken Kremer on

[BenLurkin]

The do-or-die MOI breaking maneuver slowed MOM’s velocity by 1099 m/s (2457 mph) vs. an expected 1098.7 m/s – using the combined thrust of the 440 Newton Liquid Apogee Motor (LAM) main engine and eight smaller 22 newton liquid fueled engines.

The entire MOI maneuver took place fully autonomously under the spacecrafts preprogrammed sole control due to the long communications lag time and also during a partial communications blackout when the probe was traveling behind Mars and the signal was blocked.

MOM’s goal is to study Mars surface features, morphology, mineralogy and the Martian atmosphere with five indigenous scientific instruments. Among other goals it will sniff for methane as a potential marker for biological activity.

MOM’s success follows closely on the heels of NASA’s MAVEN orbiter which also successfully achieved orbit barely two days earlier on Sept. 21.

“We have succeeded on our first attempt and in record time in only three years,” Modi said.

[molson209]

Watch out for the Moons ,check with the Russians for info ,LOL

[apillar]

Mars orbit is getting downright crowded....

[minnesota_bound]

NASA has been outsourced!

[Paradox]

I am VERY happy for the Indians, this is an astounding achievement! India is not exactly the richest country, but she has some very special people.

I wonder when those rich middle-eastern countries will do such a thing... (not really).