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Mission controllers at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory have received a transmission from the Dawn spacecraft confirming Mars Orbiter Resumes Science Observations06.09.09 Artist's concept of the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Image credit: NASA/JPL › Larger view Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Mission Status Report

PASADENA, Calif. -- NASA's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is examining Mars again with its scientific instruments after successfully transitioning out of a precautionary standby mode triggered by an unexpected June 3 rebooting of its computer.

Engineers brought the spacecraft out of the standby mode on June 6. Cameras and other scientific instruments resumed operation June 9.

The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter reached Mars in 2006 and has returned more data about the planet than all other Mars missions combined.

The June 3 rebooting resembled a Feb. 23 event on the spacecraft. Engineers are re-investigating possible root causes for both events. The new investigation includes reconsidering the likelihood of erroneous voltage readings resulting from cosmic rays or solar particles hitting an electOrbiting Explorer Departs for Mars After a successful liftoff aboard NASA's first Atlas V rocket, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) began its journey to Mars. The MRO's 'cruise phase' to the planet takes 7 months, followed by 6 months spent refining its orbit using a technique known as 'aerobraking'. During the initial cruise phase, controllers test the satellite's instruments and begin preparations to slow it using the atmosphere of Mars. ronic component. it has re-ignited its ion propulsion system.Spacecraft: Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter Launch Vehicle: Lockheed-Martin Atlas V Rocket Launch Location: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 41 Launched: August 12, 2005 Launch Time: 7:43:00 a.m. EDT