Defense of Mars

This article's title is a callsign, an alias, or a nickname, as no proper name for the subject has been revealed.

Previous:	Battle of Mombasa
Concurrent:	Battle for Earth Battle of Luna
Next:	Battle of Cleveland Scramble onboard Forerunner Dreadnought
Defense of Mars
Conflict:	Human-Covenant War Siege of the Inner Colonies
Date:	c. before November 16, 2552
Location:	Mars, Sol system
Outcome:	Covenant victory UNSC forces on Mars crushed Colonel Ackerson captured
Details Belligerents United Nations Space Command Covenant Commanders COL James Ackerson Shipmaster Lepidus (post-Great Schism) Strength UNSC Army forces Gabriel Thorne Charon-class light frigates 1+ Covenant fleet Fleet of Furious Redemption 4+ Ket-pattern battlecruisers Triumphant Declaration Castor Casualties Unknown - presumably heavy Unknown

In late 2552 during the Human-Covenant War, the UNSC defended Mars from attack by Covenant forces.

Background

Argyre Planitia

On October 13, 2552, gravitic and radiation anomalies were detected near Argyre Planitia. A team was sent to the site and a cloaked sensor platform of unknown origin was discovered, triggering WIDEAWAKE. Fleet Admiral Joseph Harper issued a stand-down order after discussing with Admiral Margaret Parangosky.

Battle

Due to extensive infrastructure, Mars was a major target when the Prophet of Truth fleet arrived in the system. as they headed toward Earth. This resulted in several key battles on the planet.

Mare Erthraeum

UNSC Army forces led by Colonel James Ackerson fought the Covenant on Mare Erythraeum on the surface of Mars. It occurred simultaneously with the Covenant's prolonged invasion of Earth and resulted in a Covenant victory. After the UNSC's eventual defeat on Mars, the Covenant began to concentrate more of their forces on Earth, although Ackerson's work in this battle helped buy UNSC ground forces on Earth precious time. During or after the engagement, Colonel Ackerson was taken prisoner and taken aboard the Ket-pattern battlecruiser Triumphant Declaration.

Aftermath

Although the Martian defense forces were eventually crushed, they are credited for delaying Covenant forces from pressing their siege on Earth.

Mars and Luna were hit particularly hard although both fared better than Earth.

List of appearances

• Halo: Uprising (First mentioned)
• Halo: New Blood (Mentioned only)
• Halo 5: Guardians
  • Limited Edition dossiers (Mentioned only)
• Halo: Divine Wind (Mentioned only)