India makes history, Mars orbiter enters red planet’s orbit

 

India has triumphed in its first interplanetary attempt by successfully putting a satellite into orbit around Mars.

India’s ambitious Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) entered a crucial phase Wednesday with the country’s space scientists steering the spacecraft to the red planet’s orbit.

After rotating the Orbiter towards Mars, the main engine was fired 24 minutes from Mars to enter the Martian orbit, which will be about 500 km from its surface and 215 million km away from the Earth in radio distance.

The spacecraft will consume about 250 kg of liquid fuel with oxidiser.

India has triumphed in its first interplanetary attempt by successfully putting a satellite into orbit around Mars.

Scientists broke into wild cheers Wednesday morning as the orbiter’s engines completed 24 minutes of burn time and maneuvered into its designated place around the red planet.

The success of India’s Mars Orbiter Mission, affectionately nicknamed MOM, brings India into an elite club of Martian explorers that includes United States, the European Space Agency and the former Soviet Union.

The Indian Space and Research Organisation described the mission as flawless.

SOURCE:::::YAHOO India.com

Natarajan