The 2001
Mars Odyssey probe is part of
NASA's new
Mars Exploration Program. On
arrival, the probe's primary mission takes place from January 2002 to July 2004.
During and after its mission the probe, will support the other probes and rovers in
the Mars program (esp.
Mars Express and the
2003 Mars Exploration Rovers).
Flight Data
Launch date: April 7, 2001
Launch site: SLC-17A,
Cape Canaveral, FL
Arrival: October 24, 2001
Mission Goals
- Determine if there was life on Mars
- Map the climate on Mars
- Map the geology on Mars
- Analyze the radiation on Mars
Technical Data
Computer:
Electrical Power:
The probe is mainly powered by its
solar cells. Power is stored in
a 16 amp/hr
nickel hydrogen battery.
Instruments:
- THEMIS - Thermal Emission Imaging System
Weight: 24.7 lb. Measurements: 21.5 x 14.6 x 11.3 inches
- GRS - Gamma-Ray Spectrometer
Weight: 67 lb. Measurements: 18.4 x 21.0 x 23.8 inches
- MARIE - Mars Radiation Environment Experiment
Weight: 7.3 lb. Measurements: 11.6 x 9.1 x 4.3 inches.
Sources:
- Mars Exploration Program Website (http://mars.jpl.nasa.gov)
- Spaceflight Now (http://spaceflightnow.com/mars/odyssey/)