2009 Mars Telecommunications Orbiter

This spacecraft was to be launched in September 2009 and scheduled to arrive at Mars in September 2010. It was intended to enter a Mars orbit about 5,000 km (3,000 miles) above Mars' surface. During its intended 10-year mission to about the year 2020, it should have served as communications relay for other Mars missions including the Mars Science Laboratory (then scheduled for 2009 also), the 2011 Mars Scout, Mars Sample Return Missions, and possibly other missions including a Mars Astrobiology Field Laboratory and other landers and rovers.

• Mars Telecommunications Orbiter info (JPL);
• Mars 2003 and 2005 page (NSSDC)

Last Modification: November 20, 2005