1.52
AU FROM SUN
DISTANCE
227,388,763 km
24 years, 355 days
MISSION DURATION
AND COUNTING
725
KG
LAUNCH MASS
1
TARGETS
Mars
Mars Odyssey is a orbiter mission by NASA / JPL targeting Mars. Launched April 7, 2001. Currently 1.52 AU from the Sun.
ABOUT MARS ODYSSEY
Mars Odyssey is the longest-serving spacecraft in orbit around Mars, operating since 2001. It mapped the distribution of chemical elements and minerals on the Martian surface and found evidence of vast subsurface water ice deposits. It continues to serve as a crucial communications relay for Mars surface missions.
KEY DISCOVERIES
- Mapped hydrogen distribution indicating subsurface water ice
- Found vast ice deposits near Martian south pole
TECHNOLOGY & FIRSTS
- Longest-serving spacecraft in Mars orbit
- Key relay satellite for Mars surface missions
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS (3)
THEMIS (Thermal Emission Imaging)
GRS (Gamma Ray Spectrometer)
MARIE (Mars Radiation Environment)
SPACECRAFT SPECIFICATIONS
Launch Mass725 kg (1,599 lbs)
PowerSolar panels
Launch VehicleDelta II 7925
Launch DateApril 7, 2001
Arrival DateOctober 24, 2001
ProgramMars Exploration
MISSION TRAJECTORY
1
Mars
OTHER MARS MISSIONS