Project Vanguard
How the U.S. Navy's Vanguard rocket became a Cold War icon, launched the world's oldest satellite still in orbit, and laid the groundwork for NASA's space exploration efforts.
MARS EXPLORER ROVER A (27827)
COSPAR: 2003-027A | Alt Name: Spirit Rover
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
June 10, 2003
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC17A
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7925-9.5
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
27827
International Designator
2003-027A
Decay Date
1/3/2004
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MARS EXPLORER ROVER A
Alternative Name
Spirit Rover
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JPL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The Mars Explorer Rover A, also known as the Spirit Rover, is an American satellite identified by NORAD CAT ID 27827 and OBJECT ID 2003-027A. Built by JPL, it was launched on June 10, 2003, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's SLC17A launch pad using a Delta 7925-9.5 launch vehicle. The spacecraft is configured as a spin-stabilized cruise stage with an airbag-cushioned lander and a rover. Its dimensions include a length of 1.4 meters, diameter of 1 meter, and span of 1.4 meters. It has a dry mass of 174 kilograms and its launch mass was also recorded at 174 kilograms. The Spirit Rover's mission is to explore Mars as part of the Mars Exploration Rover mission, utilizing solar cells and batteries for power during cruise stages and fixed solar arrays with batteries on the rover itself. As per design specifications, it was intended to operate for three months but has continued operations beyond its initial lifetime.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.4
Diameter
1
Span
1.4
Dry Mass
174
Launch Mass
174
Shape
Box + 6 Wheel + 2 Ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Mars Exploration Rover 2
Purpose
Mars Lander / Rover
Mission
Mars Lander / Rover
Manufacturer
JPL
Life Expectancy
3 month (design), still operational (#2)
Bus
MPF
Configuration
Spin stabilized cruise stage, airbag-cushioned lander, rover
Motor
?
Equipment
see above
Power System
Solar cells, batteries (cruise stage); fixed solar arrays, batteries (rover)
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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