The Day Humanity Gained New Eyes on the Universe
Forty-seven years ago, a revolutionary space telescope changed our view of the cosmos, pioneering international cooperation in space-based astronomy
MARS POLAR LANDER (25605)
COSPAR: 1999-001A | Alt Name: Mars Polar Lander
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
January 3, 1999
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC17B
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7425-9.5
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
25605
International Designator
1999-001A
Decay Date
12/3/1999
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MARS POLAR LANDER
Alternative Name
Mars Polar Lander
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JPL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The MARS POLAR LANDER (MPL) is an American Mars Lander satellite with NORAD ID 25605 and OBJECT_ID 1999-001A, manufactured by LMA/DENV for JPL. Launched on January 3, 1999, from SLC17B at AFETR using a Delta 7425-9.5 launch vehicle, the spacecraft has dimensions of 1 meter in length and a diameter of 3.6 meters with a similar span. It had a dry mass of 290 kg and was launched with a mass of 354 kg. The satellite is powered by two deployable fixed solar arrays and batteries. Its shape consists of a box with a cone, designed for landing on Mars.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1
Diameter
3.6
Span
3.6
Dry Mass
290
Launch Mass
354
Shape
Box + Cone
Radar Cross Section
5.01
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
MPL
Purpose
Mars Lander
Mission
Mars Lander
Manufacturer
LMA/DENV
Life Expectancy
Unknown
Bus
Mars Surveyor
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
?
Equipment
Unknown
Power System
2 deployable fixed solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
Satellite Articles
View All Posts »Learn more about satellites and other related topics.
X Report 5 Oct 2025
SpaceX secures major contracts for U.S. national security launches, including multiple Falcon Heavy missions. Significant updates on Starlink deployments and the ongoing evolution of the company highlight a productive day in the space sector.
Space Brief 3 Dec 2024
Today's Space Brief highlights the U.S. Air Force's $48 million investment in testing reentry capsules, a Pentagon-backed GPS alternative, and the Space Force's quest for funding autonomy.
Aurora 7 and the Day NASA Almost Lost Scott Carpenter
Exactly 64 years ago today, Scott Carpenter became the fourth American to orbit the Earth aboard Aurora 7. His five-hour flight produced new science, a tense reentry, and 39 minutes of silence in which the country wondered if it had just lost its astronaut.
Space Brief 21 Apr 2025
Today's briefing highlights SpaceX's recent launch of spy satellites, a US Space Force contract for deep space tracking, and advancements in quantum communications in space.
NASA Announces First-Ever ISS Medical Evacuation via SpaceX Crew Dragon | KeepTrack X Report
NASA plans first-ever medical evacuation from ISS using SpaceX Crew Dragon for Crew-11 astronaut. Starlink 6-96 mission scrubbed and rescheduled. Starbase Pad 1 tower and launch mount under review.
Vietnam Licenses Starlink for 600K Terminals, Isaacman Plans Roscosmos Visit | KeepTrack Space Brief
Vietnam approves Starlink with up to 600,000 terminals and 4 gateway stations. SpaceX hits 600th Falcon 9 launch. NASA's Isaacman plans Roscosmos meeting and Soyuz visit.
Space Brief 30 Aug 2025
Today's briefing covers the latest satellite communications advancements, a secretive military launch by SpaceX, and new space defense organizational structures.