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Mars Observer

An artist's impression of the Mars Observer spacecraft in orbit around Mars.

An artist's impression of the Mars Observer spacecraft in orbit around Mars. (Credit: NASA)

Lifetime: September 1992 - August 1993

Country (primary): United States

Primary Science

The Mars Observer was designed to study the Martian surface, atmosphere, climate and magnetic field.

High Energy Science

The Mars Observer carried a gamma-ray spectrometer, which was primarily intended to study the composition of the Martian surface. However, this instrument was also able to observe cosmic gamma-ray bursts.

Science Highlights

  • Collected spectral observations of a gamma-ray burst which was subsequently observed in radio by the Very Large Array
  • Observed about 20 other gamma-ray bursts

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