0.39
AU FROM SUN
DISTANCE
58,343,170 km
10 years, 269 days
MISSION DURATION
TOTAL
1,107
KG
LAUNCH MASS
3
TARGETS
Earth, Venus, Mercury
MESSENGER is a orbiter mission by NASA / APL targeting Mercury. Launched August 3, 2004. Currently 0.39 AU from the Sun.
ABOUT MESSENGER
MESSENGER was the first spacecraft to orbit Mercury, studying the planet from 2011 to 2015. It mapped the entire planet, discovered water ice in polar craters, and revealed Mercury’s geological complexity. The mission ended when it ran out of fuel and impacted Mercury’s surface on April 30, 2015.
KEY DISCOVERIES
- Water ice confirmed in permanently shadowed craters at Mercury poles
- Mercury has a global magnetic field offset to the north
- Volcanic plains covering much of Mercury surface
- Hollows: unique geological features not seen elsewhere
TECHNOLOGY & FIRSTS
- First spacecraft to orbit Mercury
- Ceramic-cloth sunshade for thermal protection
SCIENTIFIC INSTRUMENTS (8)
MDIS (Dual Imaging System)
GRNS (Gamma-Ray/Neutron)
XRS (X-Ray Spectrometer)
MAG (Magnetometer)
MLA (Laser Altimeter)
MASCS (Atmosphere/Surface spectrometer)
EPPS (Energetic Particle/Plasma)
RS (Radio Science)
SPACECRAFT SPECIFICATIONS
Launch Mass1,107 kg (2,441 lbs)
PowerSolar panels
Launch VehicleDelta II 7925H
Launch DateAugust 3, 2004
Arrival DateMarch 18, 2011
Mission EndApril 30, 2015
ProgramDiscovery
MISSION TRAJECTORY
1
Earth
2
Venus
3
Mercury
OTHER MERCURY MISSIONS
🚀 LAUNCH MISSION