Mars Observer: A global mapping mission

Abstract

Mars Observer will be launched in September 1991, arrive at Mars in August 1993, and begin mapping in December 1993. Mapping will be conducted from a low-altitude (400 km) polar orbit over a period of one Martian year (687 days). Each of the seven instruments will be able to observe Mars continuously over this period. The scientific mission centers on global Geoscience and Climatology observations of the Mars atmosphere, surface, and interior. The seven experiments involve gamma-ray and neutron spectroscopy, magnetometry, surface and atmospheric imaging, atmospheric sounding, laser altimetry, gravity mapping, and thermal emission spectroscopy.