The Mars Observer spacecraft, also known as the Mars Geoscience/Climatology Orbiter, was a robotic space probe launched by NASA on September 25, 1992, to study the Martian surface, atmosphere, climate and magnetic field. On August 21, 1993, during the interplanetary cruise phase, communication with the spacecraft was lost, three days prior to the probe's orbital insertion. Attempts to re-establish communications with the spacecraft were unsuccessful.
Artist rendering of Mars Observer in orbit around Mars
Mars Observer in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility.
Artistic depiction
Image: Mars Observer MOC2 cb
Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 40
Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40), sometimes pronounced Slick Forty and previously Launch Complex 40 (LC-40) is a launch pad for rockets located at the north end of Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida.
SLC-40 during launch of Cygnus NG-20 in January 2024 with the newly constructed Crew Access Tower and Arm for future crewed launches
A Titan IV rocket with the Cassini–Huygens payload at LC-40 in 1997
Launch Complex 40 with Titan rocket mobile service tower in 2007, prior to demolition to prepare for the construction of the SpaceX Falcon launch pad.
SLC-40 in February 2010 with Falcon 9 v1.0 rocket carrying Dragon Spacecraft Qualification Unit
