NASA will launch a navigation and communication microsatellite into orbit around Mars in 2003 as the first of a series of micromissions there.
NASA plans to launch the 485kg (1,100lb), $50 million, microsatellites, built by Ball Aerospace, with an Aerojet propulsion unit, to form the Mars Network. The network will comprise an orbiting fleet of microsatellites, providing continuous communications, and a Mars positioning system.
The micromission programme aims to explore Mars cost-effectively with identical spacecraft. The Mars network satellites will be launched piggyback on Arianespace Ariane 5 boosters provided free of charge through a co-operation agreement with French space agency CNES.
Source: Flight International
