Mars Global Surveyor

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The Mars Global Surveyor Mission was the first return to Mars after a 20-=year absence. During a Martian year, the spacecraft will look at Mars surface features, atmosphere, and magnetic properties. This will allow a detailed comparison between Earth and Mars and will prepare for the continuing series of Mars exploration. This mission cost $154 million to develop, and an additional $65 million for the launch, with $20 million per year in operations.

Mission Timelines

• Nov. 7, 1996 - Launch
• Mar. 14, 1997 - First day Pathfinder closer to Mars than Surveyor
• Apr. 10, 1997 - Halfway point to Mars
• Apr. 11, 1997 - Major solar flare; MGS magnetometer turned on
• Jul. 2, 1997 - First view of Mars taken by the Mars Orbiter Camera
• Sep. 11, 1997 - Mars orbital insertion rocket burn
• Sep. 13, 1997 - TES instrument turned on
• Sep. 17, 1997 - Beginning Aerobraking
• Mar 1999 - ongoing - Mission science
• Jan 2000 - Finish mapping - serve as communications relay

Mission Highlights

• Possible Ancient Ocean on Mars - topographic information gives possible evidence for an ancient low elevation region with a shoreline.
• The mission is providing daily monitoring of atmospheric temperatures