MARS EXPRESS (27816)

COSPAR: 2003-022A | Alt Name: Mars Express

Image
MARS EXPRESS Satellite Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details

Launch Date

June 2, 2003

Launch Pad

LC31

Launch Vehicle

Soyuz-FG

Orbital Elements

NORAD ID

27816

International Designator

2003-022A

Epoch

Tue, 03 Jun 2003 17:55:38 GMT

Apogee

Calculating...

Perigee

Calculating...

Inclination

51.76°

Right Ascension

167.65°

Eccentricity

Calculating...

Argument of Perigee

N/A

Period

88.04 min

Mean Motion

16.36 rev/day

Latitude

Calculating...

Longitude

Calculating...

Altitude

Calculating...

Velocity

Calculating...

Polar Plot
3D Visualization
Basic Satellite Info

Name

MARS EXPRESS

Alternative Name

Mars Express

Type

Payload

Status

Operational

Owner

ESA

Country

European Space Agency

Constellation

N/A

Related Satellites

Major Events

N/A

Latest TLEs
1 27816U 03022A   03153.74696760 -.00003884 +12281-4 +00000-0 0  9990
2 27816 051.7550 167.6480 0000010 000.0000 088.2820 16.35650938000006

Source: Celestrak

Summary
The Mars Express satellite, also known as Rosetta (OBJECT_ID: 2003-022A), was launched on June 2, 2003, from the Tyuratam Space Center (TYMSC) using a Soyuz-FG launch vehicle from Launch Pad LC31. Manufactured by ASTD for ESA, it has dimensions of 1.5 meters in length and 1.8 meters in diameter with a span of 5 meters. The satellite had a launch mass of 1,117 kg and a dry mass of 637 kg. Its mission is to serve as a Mars orbiter with the Beagle 2 lander payload. Equipped with two deployable solar arrays and batteries for power supply, Mars Express has a box shape with two panels attached.
Physical Characteristics

Length

1.5

Diameter

1.8

Span

5

Dry Mass

637

Launch Mass

1117

Shape

Box + 2 Pan

Radar Cross Section

Unknown

Visual Magnitude

Unknown

Color

Unknown

Material Composition

Unknown

Technical Details

Payload

Mars Express

Purpose

Mars orbiter, Mars lander (Beagle 2)

Mission

Mars orbiter, Mars lander (Beagle 2)

Manufacturer

ASTD

Life Expectancy

Unknown

Bus

Rosetta

Configuration

Unknown

Motor

S400-12

Equipment

Unknown

Power System

2 deployable solar arrays, batteries

ADCS

Unknown

Transmitter Frequency

Unknown

Map
This tool will help you track the satellite's position and predict its upcoming passes over your location. Simply input the coordinates or click the geolocation button to get started.
Next Pass
Azimuth Elevation Time (Local)
Start Azimuth
Max Elevation
Stop Azimuth
Time Until
Pass Duration

Satellite Articles

View All Posts »

Learn more about satellites and other related topics.

Space Brief 16 Apr 2025

Space Brief 16 Apr 2025

Today's highlights include Pulsar Fusion's groundbreaking nuclear rocket plans, partnerships for the Haven-1 space station, and a spotlight on military collaboration in quantum technology.

Space Force Picks Boeing 702MP for MUOS Follow-On | KeepTrack Space Brief

Space Force Picks Boeing 702MP for MUOS Follow-On | KeepTrack Space Brief

U.S. Space Force selects Boeing's 702MP spacecraft for next-generation MUOS satellites. Rocket Lab delivers Synspective's 10th StriX radar satellite. Track both missions.

SpaceX Preps First February Starlink Launch, Orbital Data Centers Gain Traction | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX Preps First February Starlink Launch, Orbital Data Centers Gain Traction | KeepTrack X Report

SpaceX readies Starlink 17-32 launch of 25 satellites from Vandenberg. Orbital data center economics draw attention from Musk and Bezos. 9,614 Starlink sats on orbit.

X Report 13 Jan 2025

X Report 13 Jan 2025

SpaceX gears up for a series of launches, including Starlink deployments, lunar missions, and updates on the Starship program.

Space Brief 26 Mar 2025

Space Brief 26 Mar 2025

Today's briefing covers the US Space Force's pivotal journeys, emerging hypersonic weaponry, and innovative drone technologies, with a special satellite update featuring Jackal X-1L-001.

Musk Outlines Starship Tower Catch Plan, February Ends With 83 Sats | KeepTrack X Report

Musk Outlines Starship Tower Catch Plan, February Ends With 83 Sats | KeepTrack X Report

Elon Musk confirms Starship V3 tower catch attempt plans with SN1 headed for ground tests. SpaceX wraps February with 83 Starlink satellites across three launches. 9,826 sats on orbit.

X Report 13 Dec 2025

X Report 13 Dec 2025

SpaceX continues making strides in satellite deployments and Starship preparations while managing challenges in space traffic.

Space Brief 29 Mar 2025

Space Brief 29 Mar 2025

Key military and technology developments in space; US Space Force and Army strategize national security with new rocket certifications and space training initiatives.