Mars Odyssey spacecraft completes precautionary comet manoeuvre

(Artist’s concept of the Mars Odyssey spacecraft – Photo Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech)

NASA’s Mars Odyssey spacecraft has successfully adjusted the timing of its orbit around Mars as a defensive precaution for comet C/2013 A1 (otherwise known as Siding Spring) which will pass by the Red Planet on October 19.

NASA prepares Mars spacecrafts for comet flyby

(NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter – Photo Credit: NASA/JPL/Corby Waste)

NASA are taking steps to protect their fleet of Mars-orbiting space crafts, while also preparing for a valuable opportunity to gather scientific data, as comet C/2013 A1 (otherwise known as Siding Spring) passes by the Red Planet on October 19.