Orbital dynamics wizardry helped save NASA's next Mars mission
13 days ago
- #Blue Origin
- #NASA
- #Mars Mission
- NASA's ESCAPADE mission was saved from delay and possible cancellation by an innovative trajectory solution.
- The mission consists of two identical spacecraft launching on Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket.
- Originally planned for a direct Earth-to-Mars trajectory, ESCAPADE will now use a loiter orbit to align with Mars in November 2025.
- The New Glenn rocket is overkill for the mission but NASA secured a cost-effective deal with Blue Origin.
- NASA is paying approximately $20 million for the launch, accepting a higher risk due to the rocket's unproven status.