Twin ESCAPADE Probes Use Earth Flybys to Head for Mars

WHO:

Space.com - NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft are the probes involved.

NASA - ESCAPADE stands for “Escape and Plasma Acceleration and Dynamics Explorers.”

NASA - NASA’s two ESCAPADE spacecraft completed the maneuvers.

WHAT:

Space.com - The twin probes used an unprecedented double “gravity assist” around Earth as part of their voyage to Mars.

NASA - Both spacecraft successfully completed powered Earth flybys and are on target to reach Mars in September 2027.

NASA - The article includes the statement, “This is […]”; the quotation is incomplete in the provided text.

WHERE:

Space.com - The spacecraft flew around Earth and are heading toward Mars.

NASA - The powered flybys took place at Earth; Mars is the spacecraft’s destination.

WHEN:

NASA - The spacecraft are expected to reach Mars in September 2027.

WHY:

NASA - The flybys were used to direct the spacecraft toward Mars.

HOW:

NASA - Each spacecraft combined Earth’s gravity with a sustained engine burn to slingshot toward Mars.

Space.com - The probes used Earth flybys as gravity assists on their voyage to Mars.

(UPDATED November 10, 2026 11:59 UTC)

NASA’s twin ESCAPADE spacecraft completed powered Earth flybys, combining gravity with engine burns. The unprecedented double assist slingshotted both probes toward Mars, NASA’s target destination. They remain on course to reach Mars in September 2027.