Mars Climate Orbiter
Re-entered 12 Dec 1998Mars Climate Orbiter (NORAD 25571, COSPAR 1998-073A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Dec 1998, launched on 11 Dec 1998 on the MCO mission. It is catalogued as MCO. It was operated by JPL as part of the Mars Surveyor programme. The spacecraft was built by LMA/DENV on the Mars Surveyor bus, with a mass of 629 kg. Like most satellites in low orbits, it was gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until re-entry. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Mars Climate Orbiter?
Mars Climate Orbiter re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 12 Dec 1998, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1998. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did Mars Climate Orbiter re-enter the atmosphere?
Mars Climate Orbiter re-entered on 12 Dec 1998, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Mars Climate Orbiter?
Mars Climate Orbiter was operated by JPL and built by LMA/DENV (US).