Tag Archives: solar conjunction

Curiosity update: Until we meet again

Posted on August 26, 2019 by rburnham

Sols 2506-08, August 23, 2019, update by MSL scientist Michelle Minitti: Today was the final opportunity to actively command Curiosity before the Sun comes between us and Mars. Most of the instruments are safely stored for the solar conjunction break, … Continue reading →

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What’s solar conjunction and why does it matter?

Posted on August 26, 2019 by rburnham

The daily chatter between antennas here on Earth and those on NASA spacecraft at Mars is about to get much quieter for a few weeks. That’s because Mars and Earth will be on opposite sides of the Sun, a period … Continue reading →

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MAVEN: Solar conjunction coming

Posted on August 8, 2019 by rburnham

The MAVEN operations and navigation teams are preparing for Mars solar conjunction, when the Sun is lined up almost directly between Earth and Mars: https://go.nasa.gov/2OOZQhy. This year, Mars solar conjunction will happen between Aug. 28 – Sept. 7. Due to … Continue reading →

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ExoMars TGO: Aerobraking restarts in September

Posted on August 28, 2017 by rburnham

After an approximately 11-week pause due to Mars conjunction and a major software update, ESA’s ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO) will restart its aerobraking campaign in September. Aerobraking, you’ll recall, is the year-long campaign being conducted by TGO using the … Continue reading →

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Sun to blame for Mars communication stand-down

Posted on July 14, 2017 by rburnham

This month, movements of the planets will put Mars almost directly behind the sun, from Earth’s perspective, causing curtailed communications between Earth and Mars. NASA will refrain from sending commands to America’s three Mars orbiters and two Mars rovers during … Continue reading →

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Mars Orbiter Spacecraft: solar conjunction

Posted on June 8, 2015 by rburnham

[India's] Mars Orbiter Spacecraft (MOM) is under ‘solar conjunction’ at Mars, which means the spacecraft, which is orbiting Mars, is behind the Sun as viewed from the Earth.  As a result of this event which happens once in 2.2 years … Continue reading →

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Solar conjunction: mission communications pause

Posted on June 4, 2015 by rburnham

In June 2015, Mars will swing almost directly behind the sun from Earth’s perspective, and this celestial geometry will lead to diminished communications with spacecraft at Mars. The arrangement of the sun between Earth and Mars is called Mars solar … Continue reading →

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