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MESSENGER (28391)
COSPAR: 2004-030A | Alt Name: Messenger
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
August 3, 2004
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC17B
Launch Vehicle
Delta 7925H
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
28391
International Designator
2004-030A
Decay Date
4/30/2015
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MESSENGER
Alternative Name
Messenger
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
APL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
MESSENGER, also known as Messenger, is a Mercury orbiter satellite managed by APL and launched on August 3, 2004, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's SLC17B pad using a Delta 7925H launch vehicle. It has dimensions of 1.4 meters in length, 1.9 meters in diameter, and a span of 6 meters. The satellite had a dry mass of 513 kilograms and was equipped with various instruments including MDIS, GRNS, XRS, MLA, ASCS, and EPPS. MESSENGER's mission life exceeded expectations, lasting 8 years nominally but reaching up to 10.75 years in total. It relied on two deployable solar arrays for power along with batteries. The satellite was designed as a box shape with additional panels and an antenna, manufactured by APL with the purpose of studying Mercury from orbit.
Physical Characteristics
Length
1.4
Diameter
1.9
Span
6
Dry Mass
513
Launch Mass
1108
Shape
Box + 2 Pan + Ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
MESSENGER
Purpose
Mercury orbiter
Mission
Mercury orbiter
Manufacturer
APL
Life Expectancy
8 years (nominal); 10.75 years reached
Bus
Messenger
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
Leros 1b
Equipment
MDIS, GRNS, XRS, MLA, ASCS, EPPS
Power System
2 deployable solar arrays, batteries
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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