The Mars Odyssey orbiter is a spacecraft launched by NASA in 2001 to study the planet Mars from orbit. The spacecraft is equipped with three science instruments: the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), the Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS), and the Mars Radiation Environment Experiment (MARIE). The mission’s primary goals are to search for evidence of past or present life on Mars, to characterize the Martian climate and environment, and to study potential resources for future human exploration.
The Mars Odyssey orbiter was launched on April 7, 2001, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida, United States, aboard a Delta II rocket. The spacecraft arrived at Mars on October 24, 2001, and entered orbit around the planet. It is currently orbitingMars at an altitude of approximately 3200 kilometers (2000 miles).
The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) is a camera that images infrared light emitted by objects at Martian temperatures. This allows scientists to map the distribution of different types of rocks and soils on the surface of Mars. THEMIS also has the ability to image active volcanoes and lava flows.
The Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS) uses gamma rays emitted by elements in Martian rocks and soils to determine their composition. This information can be used to search for evidence of past or present life on Mars as well as characterize Martian geology. Additionally, data from GRS can be usedto assess potential resources for future human exploration of Mars. For example, data from GRS suggests there may be water ice near the Martian poles.
The Mars Radiation Environment Experiment (MARIE) is a dosimeter that measures charged particles and photons in order to understand how radiation affects humans during long-duration spaceflight missions like a journeytoMars . This information is important for planning future manned missions toMars .