The European Space Agency (ESA) is Europe’s gateway to space. Its mission is to shape the development of Europe’s space capability and ensure that investment in space continues to deliver benefits to the citizens of Europe and the world.
Find out more about space activities in our 23 Member States, and understand how ESA works together with their national agencies, institutions and organisations.
Exploring our Solar System and unlocking the secrets of the Universe
Go to topicProtecting life and infrastructure on Earth and in orbit
Go to topicUsing space to benefit citizens and meet future challenges on Earth
Go to topicMaking space accessible and developing the technologies for the future
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This image indicates the angle of TGO’s orbit before and after the orbital inclination change manoeuvres in 2017.
Upon arrival, in October 2016, the orbit, at about 7º, was essentially equatorial – indicated by the horizontal orbital lines in the graphic. After the manoeuvres in January and February 2017, the orbit was oriented much more north-south, at about 74º, indicated by the almost-vertical orbital lines.
In the image, Mars’ north pole is at the top, the south pole is at the bottom and the equator is horizontal.