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MSL (37936)
COSPAR: 2011-070A | Alt Name: Curiosity
DECAYED
Image
Additional Sources
Launch Details
Launch Date
November 26, 2011
Launch Site
Launch Pad
SLC41
Launch Vehicle
Atlas V 541
Orbital Elements
NORAD ID
37936
International Designator
2011-070A
Decay Date
8/6/2012
Basic Satellite Info
Name
MSL
Alternative Name
Curiosity
Type
Payload
Status
Decayed
Owner
JPL
Country
United States
Constellation
N/A
Related Satellites
Major Events
N/A
Summary
The satellite identified by NORAD_CAT_ID 37936 and OBJECT_ID 2011-070A is known as MSL (Curiosity), a Mars rover launched on November 26, 2011, from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station's SLC41 using an Atlas V 541 launch vehicle. Its dimensions include a length of 2.1 meters, a diameter of 1.5 meters, and a span of 3 meters. The satellite has a dry mass of 899 kg and was manufactured by LMSSD for the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL). It is equipped with solar cells during its cruise stage and an RTG (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator) once it lands on Mars. MSL's mission includes exploring Mars, specifically through the Mars Science Lab Rover payload. The satellite's shape consists of a box structure with two wheels and an antenna. It remains active after completing a 1-year cruise phase and 2 years of prime mission operations.
Physical Characteristics
Length
2.1
Diameter
1.5
Span
3
Dry Mass
899
Launch Mass
899
Shape
Box + 2 Wheel + Ant
Radar Cross Section
Unknown
Visual Magnitude
Unknown
Color
Unknown
Material Composition
Unknown
Technical Details
Payload
Mars Science Lab Rover
Purpose
Mars rover
Mission
Mars rover
Manufacturer
LMSSD
Life Expectancy
1 year cruise, 2 years prime mission, still active
Bus
Mars
Configuration
Unknown
Motor
8 x MR-80B (skycrane)
Equipment
see above
Power System
Solar cells (cruise stage); RTG (rover)
ADCS
Unknown
Transmitter Frequency
Unknown
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