Mission to Mars: Launching Your Mission

What is the primary responsibility of a navigation engineer in a Mars mission?

• Communicating with astronauts

• Building the launch pad

• Designing the spacecraft

• Flying the spacecraft to Mars safely

What is a launch window?

• The period when Earth and Mars are closest

• The time frame on a specific day to launch

• The time it takes to reach Mars

• The entire duration of a mission

How often are Earth and Mars aligned for a launch opportunity?

• Every 26 months

• Every 18 months

• Every 12 months

• Every 36 months

How long does it typically take for a spacecraft to travel from Earth to Mars?

• 3 to 5 months

• 1 to 2 years

• 6 to 9 months

• 10 to 12 months

What are Trajectory Correction Maneuvers?

• Exercises for astronauts to prepare for landing

• Tests conducted on Earth before launch

• Adjustments to the spacecraft's path to ensure it reaches the correct landing site

• Communication checks with the spacecraft