Hyderabad: The Mars Orbiter, launched in 2013 by the Indian Space Research Organisation has completed 88 per cent of its journey and will face the most crucial phase on the morning of September 24. “Between 7 am to 9 am on September 24, the Orbiter will have to reduce its velocity and enter the orbit of Mars,” said Isro chairman Dr K. Radhakrishnan.
“The challenge is that its propulsion system should restart after being switched off for 300 days,” he added
He said there was no fear of the Siding Spring comet that is expected to fly by Mars around the same time. Nasa’s Mars Atmosphere and Volatile Evolution will enter Mars’ orbit three days before Mangalyaan he said, adding that Nasa has said it is taking steps to prevent damage from the comet.
