1.   Advanced warning of collision is possible because they can be repeatedly observed and their looping orbits projected centuries into the future.

2.   After firing braking rockets, the Climate Orbiter will slip into a looping orbit around Mars.

3.   Mission managers planned several hours of analysis to confirm the spacecraft had maneuvered into the desired looping orbit around Mars and the spacecraft was in good health.

4.   The looping elliptical orbits will expose the spacecraft to the drag of the Martian atmosphere.