UNITED STATES AIR FORCE

Delta II | Mars Global Surveyor

SUCCESSNov 7, 1996 at 17:00 UTCDelta II →
PADSpace Launch Complex 17A
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →
ORBITHeliocentric N/A
TYPEPlanetary Science

The Mars Global Surveyor (MGS) is designed to orbit Mars over a two year period and collect data on the surface morphology, topography, composition, gravity, atmospheric dynamics, and magnetic field. This data will be used to investigate the surface processes, geology, distribution of material, internal properties, evolution of the magnetic field, and the weather and climate of Mars.

VEHICLE
Delta II
MISSION
Mars Global Surveyor
MISSION TYPE
Planetary Science
TARGET ORBIT
Heliocentric N/A
COUNTRY
USA
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 7f5b54cc-f40d-44c3-b6db-27400a7c30b7
Reported date: Nov 7, 1996 at 17:00 UTC
Last synced: 1 minute ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
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MANUFACTURER
United Launch Alliance
VARIANT
7925
FLIGHTS
36
SUCCESSES
34
SUCCESS RATE
94.4%

Delta II is an American space launch system developed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of the Delta rocket family operated by United Launch Alliance. With more than 150 missions and a nearly perfect track record, Delta II has established itself as one of the most successful orbital launch systems.

When is the Delta II | Mars Global Surveyor launch?
The Delta II | Mars Global Surveyor is scheduled for Thursday, November 7, 1996 at 5:00 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Mars Global Surveyor?
The Delta II | Mars Global Surveyor mission uses the Delta II rocket, manufactured by United Launch Alliance. The Delta II has flown 36 times with a 94.4% success rate.
Where is the Delta II | Mars Global Surveyor launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Mars Global Surveyor going to?
The Mars Global Surveyor mission is targeting Heliocentric N/A.
Who is launching Mars Global Surveyor?
The Delta II | Mars Global Surveyor is operated by United States Air Force.
Can I watch the Delta II | Mars Global Surveyor launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch date set: Nov 7, 1996 at 17:00 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 29, 2026 01:15 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Last data sync: 1 minute ago
Launch Library 21 minute ago
Launch ID: 7f5b54cc-f40d-44c3-b6db-27400a7c30b7
Open-Meteo Weather16 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57