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Mars Express is checking its attitude and distance from Mars.

Mars Express status report...

24 December 2003
As of 2200 CET on 24 December, Mars Express is 66800 km from Mars and the mission is proceeding as planned. ESOC Mission Control data on the velocity of Mars Express show that the pull of Martian gravity is continually increasing.

This gravitational influence is as predicted, and serves as an independent confirmation that the spacecraft is on its planned course. It is the force of gravity that will place Mars Express in orbit around Mars at 0418 CET on Christmas morning, following the end of the 34-minute main engine burn.

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