PADSpace Launch Complex 17B
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITLow Earth Orbit
TYPEPlanetary Science
PROGRAMDiscovery Program
MISSION OVERVIEW
MESSENGER was a NASA robotic space probe that orbited the planet Mercury between 2011 and 2015, studying Mercury’s chemical composition, geology, and magnetic field. The name is a backronym for “MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging”, and a reference to the messenger god Mercury from Roman mythology.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Delta IIAGENCY
United States Air ForceMISSION
Messenger
MISSION TYPE
Planetary Science
TARGET ORBIT
Low Earth Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 17BLAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USAPROGRAM
Discovery Program
COUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: 8633d5f0-ea8b-4f9c-a78b-5a48406f44df
Reported date: Aug 3, 2004 at 06:15 UTC
Last synced: 4 minutes ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Delta II →
MANUFACTURER
United Launch Alliance
VARIANT
7925H-9.5
FLIGHTS
3
SUCCESSES
3
SUCCESS RATE
100%
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.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Delta II | Messenger launch?
The Delta II | Messenger is scheduled for Tuesday, August 3, 2004 at 6:15 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Messenger?
The Delta II | Messenger mission uses the Delta II rocket, manufactured by United Launch Alliance. The Delta II has flown 3 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Delta II | Messenger launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 17B at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Messenger going to?
The Messenger mission is targeting Low Earth Orbit.
Who is launching Messenger?
The Delta II | Messenger is operated by United States Air Force. It is part of the Discovery Program program.
Can I watch the Delta II | Messenger 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.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 01:08 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:08 UTC
Launch date set: Aug 3, 2004 at 06:15 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United States Air Force
Mar 29, 2026 01:08 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
Aug 2, 2024 16:00 UTC
MESSENGER u2013 From Setbacks to SuccessThe excerpts below are taken from Discovery Program oral history interviews conducted in 2009 by Dr. Susan Niebur and tell the story of the hurdles…
NASA
Oct 16, 2018 22:00 UTC
2019 Breakthrough Prize Honors Pulsar Discovery, 'Multi-Messenger Astronomy' and MoreSpace.com
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 4 minutes ago
●Launch Library 24 minutes ago
Launch ID: 8633d5f0-ea8b-4f9c-a78b-5a48406f44df
●Spaceflight News API15 hours ago
3 articles matched
●Open-Meteo Weather15 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.45, -80.57
