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Recently, Mars received a visit from a few Earthly guests. On March 1, NASA’s Europa Clipper flew within 550 miles of Mars on its way to Jupiter. Following this, the European Space Agency’s Hera spacecraft passed within about 3,100 miles of Mars and only 300 kilometers from its moon, Deimos, en route to study the binary asteroid Didymos and its moon Dimorphos. Next year, in May 2026, NASA’s Psyche mission is set to fly by Mars on its way to the metal-rich asteroid 16 Psyche, getting as close as a few thousand kilometers.

But why are these missions so interested in Mars? While it might seem like they’re just using Mars as a convenient object to photograph, there’s more to it than that. The primary reason for these flybys is the additional speed that Mars’ velocity around the Sun can provide. Visiting a planet to speed up a spacecraft might not be immediately apparent, as the same gravity that brings the spacecraft towards the planet will also push it back as it leaves. However, the direction in which the spacecraft approaches and departs from the planet is crucial. If it leaves Mars in the same direction as Mars is orbiting the Sun, it will gain speed, propelling it further into the outer solar system. Such a slingshot flyby can increase a spacecraft’s speed by several percent, with the effect being more pronounced the closer the spacecraft gets to the planet. Typically, missions shouldn’t get closer than several hundred kilometers to avoid being slowed down by the planet’s upper atmosphere. The proximity to the planet also depends on the spacecraft’s intended direction upon leaving Mars.

While studying Mars isn’t the primary objective of these missions, many of them use the opportunity to utilize their cameras for various purposes, such as calibrations or observing the Red Planet and its moons.

During Europa Clipper’s flyby over sols 1431-1432, Mastcam-Z was positioned to scan the skies for signs of the spacecraft. Although there was a chance that Clipper’s large solar panels could have reflected enough sunlight for it to be seen from Mars, the viewing attempt was unsuccessful as the spacecraft entered Mars’ shadow before coming into sight. Nevertheless, it was worth the effort.

On another front, the Perseverance rover is currently engaged in an exciting exploration. Named “Sally’s Cove,” a steep rock outcrop in the outer region of the Jezero crater’s rim, just north of “Broom Hill,” has captured Perseverance’s attention. During March 19-23, the rover investigated some dark-colored rocks along this outcrop, leaving the spherules aside for the time being. The question now is, what will Perseverance discover next?

In conclusion, Mars serves as an essential pit stop for these interplanetary journeys, providing a gravitational boost that propels spacecraft towards their final destinations. While these missions may not be all about Mars, they offer a unique opportunity to capture new perspectives of the Red Planet and its surroundings. As our cosmic neighbors continue to beckon, the mysteries of the universe await our exploratory ventures.