Mars Orbit Insertion

Mars Orbit Insertion (MOI) is a critical maneuver when a spacecraft arrives at Mars. It involves firing the spacecraft's thrusters to slow down enough so that Mars’ gravity captures it into a stable orbit around the planet. Without this burn, the spacecraft would fly past or miss orbiting Mars altogether. This process requires precise calculations to ensure the spacecraft enters the correct orbit, balancing speed and trajectory. Once in orbit, the spacecraft can begin detailed exploration, data collection, or prepare for landing. MOI is a complex, carefully timed operation vital for mission success.