NASA's Mars Odyssey, launched in 2001, remains a critical asset in Mars exploration. This enduring spacecraft has been orbiting the Red Planet since 2001, serving as a vital communication relay between Earth and other Mars missions, including the Opportunity and Curiosity rovers.
Mars Odyssey is equipped with scientific instruments like the Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS) to detect elements on the Martian surface, Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) for detailed imaging, and the Mars Radiation Environment Experiment (MARIE) to measure radiation levels around Mars.
Its primary mission objectives include studying Martian climate, atmosphere, and searching for water and ice. The spacecraft's longevity and versatility continue to provide valuable data and support for ongoing Mars missions, contributing to our understanding of the planet's history and potential habitability.
