About THEMIS & the Mars Odyssey mission
The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) is an instrument on board the Mars Odyssey spacecraft. It combines a 5-wavelength visual imaging system with a 9-wavelength infrared imaging system.
Mars Odyssey launched from Kennedy Space Center on April 7, 2001 and arrived at Mars on October 24, 2001. It spent the next several months achieving a circular mapping orbit by aerobraking (dipping into the atmosphere to slow and shrink the orbit). Aerobraking concluded in early February 2002, and primary mapping operations began a few weeks later.
The spacecraft is in a 2-hour orbit around Mars.
Mars Odyssey carries three main science instruments: The Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS), the Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS), and the Mars Radiation Environment Experiment (MARIE).
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Infrared Spectroscopy
How THEMIS images can help scientists understand the geologic story of Mars.![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/themis.mars.asu.edu/files/storyimages/teaser/08.THEMIS_with_thermal_blankets.jpg?1264098745)
THEMIS Pre-Launch Image Gallery
Images of THEMIS and Odyssey during assembly, testing and launch.![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/themis.mars.asu.edu/files/storyimages/teaser/launch.jpg?1460675269)
THEMIS Fact Sheet
Detailed information about the Mars Odyssey mission and the THEMIS instrument.![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/themis.mars.asu.edu/files/storyimages/teaser/01.THEMIS_Drawing.jpg?1288208482)
Frequently Asked Questions
The who, what, where, why, when, and how of THEMIS.![](https://cdn.statically.io/img/themis.mars.asu.edu/files/storyimages/teaser/32.Christensen_Silverman_Mehall_with_Faring_Night_Before_Launch.jpg?1344009455)