Robotic Exploration
Lunar Prospector was a small spin stabilized lunar orbiter. Using its Gamma Ray Spectrometer (GRS), it collected a large amount of scientific data that helps researchers understand the chemical composition of the lunar surface.
The Discovery Program is a series of Solar System exploration missions funded by the U.S. National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) through its Planetary Missions Program Office. The cost of each mission is capped at a lower level than missions from NASA's New Frontiers or Flagship Programs. As a result, Discovery missions tend to be more focused on a specific scientific goal rather than serving a general purpose.
Jan 1, 1990 — ongoing
Orbital Attempt
#4,208
LMT Mission
#32
Pad Launch
#1
Location Launch
#540
Designator
1998-001
Jan 7, 1998, 2:28 AM
1 update
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
Timezone
America/New_York
Local Launch Time
Jan 6, 1998, 9:28 PM
Total Launches
1,109
Total Landings
75
Coordinates
28.4889, -80.5778
The Athena II is an American small expendable launch system which was used for three launches between 1998 and 1999.
Length
28.2 m
Diameter
2.36 m
Launch Mass
120 t
Thrust
1,900 kN
LEO Capacity
2,065 kg
GTO Capacity
593 kg
SSO Capacity
1,165 kg
Reusable
No
Maiden Flight
1998
Fastest Turnaround
4mo 29d
Total Launches
3
Successful
2
Failed
1
Consecutive Success
1
Maiden flight: Jan 7, 1998
Lockheed Martin's Space Division started in the production of missiles and later ICBM's in the 1950s. Their TITAN missile system was used for 12 Gemini spacecraft and the Voyager probes. They have worked largely in collaboration with NASA on many of their probes, landers, and spacecraft, and hope to play a key role in NASA's return to the moon in 2024.
Founded
1953
Total Launches
80
Successful
77
Failed
3
Pending
0
Consecutive Success
38