What Would Mars Look Like if an Astronaut Could Orbit the Planet? (Mars Report - Nov. 2023)

NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory
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Published 2023-11-28
NASA’s Mars Odyssey orbiter captured the first-ever views of Mars that showcase the curving horizon and layers of atmosphere, similar to what an astronaut sees of Earth from the International Space Station. While there are no astronauts yet at Mars, this view gives us a sense of what they might see: The series of panoramic images was taken from an altitude of about 250 miles (400 kilometers), the same altitude at which the space station flies above Earth. These new images, which capture gauzy layers of clouds and dust, will help scientists better understand the Martian atmosphere.

In this Mars Report, learn how engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory and Lockheed Martin Space, which built Odyssey, had to maneuver the spacecraft to capture these views. Odyssey Deputy Project Scientist Laura Kerber also breaks down the significance of the new images.

The 2001 Mars Odyssey mission is NASA’s longest operating spacecraft at Mars, marking 22 years in orbit in October 2023.

For more information on Odyssey, go to: science.nasa.gov/mission/odyssey

Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/ASU/Lockheed Martin Space
All Comments (21)
  • @NObergastro
    What a lovely video. Excellent work Laura + odyssey team!
  • @s1nb4d59
    Congratz on the 100,000 orbits,wish it had been longer,was interested in the horizon view with the cloud layers.
  • @TonyHammitt
    Nice update and congrats on the mission longevity record. Wish JPL would work with the Mars Guy channel, he's been doing a great job but could use more direct resources and information
  • @gcat6027
    Laura Kerber did a great job of explaining the pictures taken of Mars by the Odyssey Orbiter! She has a delightful speaking voice and a real passion for the work she does! i’m always impressed by the people who work for NASA because I believe they are very dedicated & passionate about space exploration. This is a perfect example of how American Institutions such as NASA can accomplish great things!
  • @audience2
    Beautiful, beautiful, beautiful. Everything is beautiful.
  • @quantumcat7673
    Well, it would look like Mars with an astronaut orbiting it. That was a real easy one!
  • @thereadersvoice
    Not sure why she said "some of Mars' moons." Mars only has 2; Phobos and Deimos. Unless something has changed that I just don't know about...
  • @TheRadioAteMyTV
    That sound of impact from the space ship at the end, not sure it would sound like that on a planet with more than 90 percent less atmosphere of earth. But ok, these are the rocket scientists.
  • @user-qy9bf7wd1j
    ...Potato Shaped ... - me yum , its gone ! Do we have more Potato shaped ?