Mars Express successfully powers through eclipse season


Mars Express
 
This artist's impression shows ESA's Mars Express, flying in a survival-mode configuration (nicknamed 'Sumo'), while it enters eclipse around Mars. The spacecraft is shown in the power-saving warm-up attitude, with its base pointed towards the Sun to maximise solar heating.

'Sumo' mode wrestles with the problem
 

 
The Mars Express Control room at ESOC

Teamwork and innovation provide safe passage
 
The Mars Express spacecraft
 
Artist's view of ESA's Mars Express at Mars.



Release date: 28 September 2007