JPL: Mars Spacecraft Maneuver to Prepare for Comet Flyby

[bystander]

Mars Spacecraft Maneuver to Prepare for Close Comet Flyby
NASA | JPL-Caltech | 2014 Jul 25

This graphic depicts the orbit of comet C/2013 A1 Siding Spring as it swings around the sun in 2014. [b][i](Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)[/i][/b]

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NASA is taking steps to protect its Mars orbiters, while preserving opportunities to gather valuable scientific data, as Comet C/2013 A1 Siding Spring heads toward a close flyby of Mars on Oct. 19.

The comet's nucleus will miss Mars by about 82,000 miles (132,000 kilometers), shedding material hurtling at about 35 miles (56 kilometers) per second, relative to Mars and Mars-orbiting spacecraft. At that velocity, even the smallest particle -- estimated to be about one-fiftieth of an inch (half a millimeter) across -- could cause significant damage to a spacecraft.

NASA currently operates two Mars orbiters, with a third on its way and expected to arrive in Martian orbit just a month before the comet flyby. Teams operating the orbiters plan to have all spacecraft positioned on the opposite side of the Red Planet when the comet is most likely to pass by. ...

See also: http://mars.nasa.gov/comets/sidingspring

http://asterisk.apod.com/viewtopic.php?t=30797
http://asterisk.apod.com/viewtopic.php?t=21430#p200053
http://asterisk.apod.com/viewtopic.php?t=33197

[bystander]

Mars Odyssey Completes Maneuver to Prepare for Comet Flyby