Space Brief 19 Mar 2025
Today's brief explores a simulated 'dogfight' in space by Chinese satellites, insights into a cloud platform by Oracle and Singapore's defense agency, and more space-related developments.
MGS (24648)
COSPAR: 1996-062A | Alt Name: Mars Global Surveyor
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 7, 1996
Launch Site
Launch Pad
LC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7925
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
24648
International Designator
1996-062A
Decay Date
Unknown
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MGS
Alternative Name
Mars Global Surveyor
Type
Payload
Status
Unknown
Owner
JPL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The Mars Global Surveyor (MGS), designated NORAD 24648 and OBJECT_ID 1996-062A, is a US satellite manufactured by LMA and owned by JPL. Launched on November 7, 1996, from LC17A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station using a Delta 7925 launch vehicle, MGS was designed as a Mars orbiter equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power. The spacecraft measures 3 meters in length, has a diameter of 1.5 meters, and a span of 12 meters. It had a launch mass of 1062 kg and a dry mass of 674 kg. MGS is shaped like a box with a pan design and uses the Leros 1B motor for propulsion. Its mission was to orbit Mars and conduct scientific observations.
Physical Characteristics
Length
3
Diameter
1.5
Span
12
Dry Mass
674
Launch Mass
1062
Shape
Box + Pan
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
MGS
Purpose
Mars orbiter
Mission
Mars orbiter
Manufacturer
LMA
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
MGS
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Leros 1B
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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