Sun will cause pause in Mars exploration in April
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Graphic showing the Sun/mars Conjunction (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
Artist's concept of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (Image: NASA)
Artist's concept of the Mars Opportunity rover (Image: NASA)
Artist's concept of the Curiosity rover (Image: NASA)
Self-portrait of the Curiosity Rover (Image: NASA/JPL-Caltech)
The Mars Odyssey orbiter (Image: NASA/JPL)
Mars Express orbiter (Image: ESA)
Article Summary
NASA is taking an enforced holiday of sorts in April as it suspends Mars exploration missions for 17 to 21 days. This isn't due to budget cuts, but rather because Mars will be in conjunction with the Sun during April, which will make direct communications with the probes difficult, if not impossible.
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