EscaPADE Mission Launches to Study Mars Atmosphere
Blue Origin's New Glenn launches from Cape Canaveral.
Mission studies Mars' atmospheric loss.
SIMPLEx program funds low-cost Mars missions.
EscaPADE costs $100M vs. $300M–$600M for other satellites.
Spacecraft aim for Lagrange Point 2 orbit.
Orbit is kidney bean-shaped for 1.5M km from Earth.
Mission waits for 2025 Mars transfer window.
Launch risks include government shutdown and past failures.
Launch-and-loiter strategy saves fuel for Mars departure.
2 months ago