NASA launched the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter in August 2005 and the following year, on March 10, it entered orbit around the Red Planet, where it continues to operate today.
The data sent back to Earth by the MRO has revealed Mars in unprecedented detail and over the years has helped scientists discover more about the fascinating planet.
During its work, the MRO, for example, found signs that liquid water could appear seasonally on what is now Mars. Thanks to the orbiter’s ultra-sharp HiRISE camera, the discovery not only revealed details about Mars’ geology and climate, but also helped assess the planet’s potential to support microbial life.
The reliable spacecraft also collects data on the planet’s temperatures and minerals and can even explore the subsurface using its radar technology.
While its scientific work is as important as it is exciting, the spacecraft is best known for the incredible images it captures from its orbit at an altitude of approximately 155-196 miles (250-316 km).
To mark the 20th anniversary on Tuesday, NASA published some of these images in a post on X:
Below is a photo of a Martian crater about 30 meters in diameter surrounded by a large explosion zone. The explosion that created this crater ejected ejecta up to 15 km away. Shades of blue were added to highlight the details.
The next image captured by chance shows a giant dust devil racing across the surface of Mars. The length of the cyclone’s shadow, taken from a height of 185 miles (297 kilometers) above the ground, shows that it was more than half a mile (800 meters) high, which is similar to the height of the Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates, the tallest building in the world.
The image below shows an area of unusual texture on the floor of Gale Crater, where NASA’s Curiosity rover landed in 2012. Shades of blue have been added for a clearer view.
The rover is still in operation there today (the MRO even photographed it!) and is slowly climbing to the base of Mount Sharp (Aeolis Mons), the large mountain in the center of the crater. It’s worth noting that the MRO also serves as an important communications bridge, transmitting data from the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers back to Earth.
Again, shades of blue have been added to the shot below to highlight details such as the tops of dunes and waves. Like on Earth, many of these features change over time as Martian winds constantly blow through the sand and reshape the landscape.
NASA will continue to operate the MRO as long as the spacecraft remains healthy and has enough fuel. She plans to continue this into the late 2020s and possibly beyond.
That means we can look forward to many more incredible images from the experienced Mars orbiter.
