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Mars global surveyor mission: overview and status
A L Albee1, F D Palluconi, R E Arvidson
1California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|March 28, 1998
Summary
The Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) spacecraft began orbiting Mars in 1997. It is collecting global data on the planet's surface, atmosphere, and fields for a full Martian year.
Area of Science:
- Planetary Science
- Space Exploration
- Mars Science
Background:
- The Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) mission was launched to conduct a comprehensive study of Mars.
- The spacecraft successfully entered orbit around Mars after an extended journey from Earth.
Purpose of the Study:
- To acquire high-quality, global observations of Mars.
- To gather data on the Martian surface, atmosphere, magnetic field, and gravitational field.
Main Methods:
- Achieved a 45-hour elliptical orbit around Mars.
- Utilized advanced spacecraft instrumentation for data acquisition.
Main Results:
- Began collecting extensive global data on Mars.
- Established a long-term observation platform for Martian science.
Conclusions:
- The MGS mission is positioned to provide valuable insights into Mars.
- Ongoing observations will contribute to a deeper understanding of the Red Planet.