NASA's ESCAPADE spacecraft complete powered Earth flybys toward Mars

NASA's two ESCAPADE spacecraft have completed powered Earth flybys that put them on course for Mars, demonstrating a route designed to loosen launch timing constraints. The second spacecraft completed its maneuver at 6 a.m. EST on Nov. 9, following the first on Nov. 7. The route combines an orbit near Earth with Earth's gravity and an engine burn. Mission designer Jeff Parker said it allows launches almost anytime instead of waiting every two years for direct flights when the planets align. Mars orbit insertion burns are planned for Sept. 7 and Sept. 9, 2027. Science operations are expected to begin in June 2028.