Angle change

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.