Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter

MRO

Mission Profile

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) is NASA's most capable Mars orbiter, launched on 12 August 2005 aboard an Atlas V 401 and entering Mars orbit on 10 March 2006 to conduct high-resolution surface imaging, climate monitoring, and subsurface radar sounding. Its HiRISE camera can resolve objects as small as 30 cm from orbit, producing the most detailed imagery ever obtained of the Martian surface and enabling precise landing site selection for subsequent surface missions. MRO detected recurring slope lineae — dark streaks interpreted as possible seasonal liquid water flows — though later research suggests they may be granular flows rather than liquid. Operating for nearly two decades, MRO has also been essential as a high-bandwidth communications relay for the Curiosity and Perseverance rovers, transmitting the bulk of their science data.