ESA News
http://www.esa.int

24 December 2003

Mars Express status report ...

As of 2200 CET [2100 UTC] 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 [0318 UTC]
on Christmas morning, following the end of the 34-minute main engine burn.

More about ...

* Europe goes to Mars
http://www.esa.int/SPECIALS/Mars_Express/index.html
* Mars Express overview
http://www.esa.int/esaSC/120379_index_0_m.html
* Christmas on Mars: be there with ESA
http://www.esa.int/esaCP/SEM06Q274OD_index_0.html
* Getting it right: An interview with Rudi Schmidt
http://www.esa.int/esaSC/SEMDILXLDMD_people_0_iv.html
* Testing times: An interview with Con McCarthy
http://www.esa.int/esaSC/SEMZTOXLDMD_people_0_iv.html
* A giant step for Europe: An interview with Michael McKay
http://www.esa.int/esaSC/SEMZSOXLDMD_people_0_iv.html

Related links

* Beagle 2 lander homepage
http://www.beagle2.com

IMAGE CAPTION:
[http://www.esa.int/export/esaCP/SEM6..._index_1.html]
Mars Express is checking its attitude and distance from Mars.