In 2005, Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) was launched bound for the Red Planet. It had cutting edge tech aboard ranging from the highest performance optical telescope ever sent to Mars (HiRISE), radar enabling subsurface observation (SHARAD), and Ka band comms with a software defined radio. We are now counting on this 21 yo satellite as a way to communicate with the rovers on the surface. 21 years orbiting Mars, exposed to the harsh condition of space and the challenges of Mars orbit. Just an amazing piece of kit!
Recently saw a model of MRO at the Great Lakes Science Center which really spoke to the current „state” of the satellite. I got a kick out of all the cobwebs on it, a neat inadvertent parallel with the real thing.
