Screenshot of MOI Trajectory Animation

Mars Orbit Insertion: MOI Trajectory Animations

The following animations are computer simulations showing various perspectives of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter during its entry into Mars' orbit.

NASA's Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), NASA's Odyssey spacecraft, and the European Space Agency's Mars Express spacecraft are included in some of the animations. The spacecraft size in these animations has been exaggerated to make it more visible.

The orbit of Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is shown in purple, Mars Global Surveyor's orbit is shown in green, and Odyssey's orbit is shown in white.

This computer-generated animation simulates the orbit insertion of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) from the Mars view.

Mars View

View Animation - Quicktime 20 MB
This computer-generated animation simulates the orbit insertion of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) from the Earth to Mars view.

Earth to Mars View

View Animation - Quicktime 7 MB
This computer-generated animation simulates the orbit insertion of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) from the MRO view of Mars.

MRO View of Mars

View Animation - Quicktime 9 MB

Learn About Another MOI Feature

Sequence of Events


See the minute-by-minute MOI action plan as Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter enters into orbit around Mars.

Doppler Plot


All eyes are fixed on the doppler plot during MOI activities since it is the only window on the spacecraft's behavior during the critical engine firing.

MOI Trajectory Animations


Animations showing various viewing perspectives of Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter as it enters into orbit around Mars.