Internet Encyclopedia of Science
SATELLITES & SPACE PROBES
A  B  C  D  E  F  G  H  I  J  K  L  M  N  O  P  Q  R  S  T  U  V  W  X  Y  Z

                   • HOME
• ABOUT
• CATEGORIES
• COPYRIGHT
• NEWSLETTER

  



Mars Observer


Mars Observer
A failed NASA mission to study the surface, atmosphere, interior and magnetic field of Mars from orbit. The mission was designed to operate for one full martian year (687 Earth days) to allow observations of the planet through its four seasons. However, communication with the spacecraft was lost on Aug. 22, 1993, as it was preparing to enter orbit and no significant data was returned. Later investigation pointed to an explosion in the propulsion system caused by propellant leaking past faulty valves.


launch date Sep. 25, 1992
launch vehicle Titan 34D
launch site Cape Canaveral
mass (at launch) 2,573 kg


Related entry

   • Mars, unmanned spacecraft


Related category

   • SATELLITES AND SPACE PROBES


Also on this site:

Encyclopedia of Alternative Energy & Sustainable Living
Encyclopedia of History




BACK TO TOP