MISSION NAME
Messenger
Status
Success
DATE
3 AUG 2004
LAUNCH PROVIDER
United States Air Force
Launch Pad
Space Launch Complex 17B
Description
MESSENGER was a NASA robotic space probe that orbited the planet Mercury between 2011 and 2015, studying Mercury's chemical composition, geology, and magnetic field. The name is a backronym for "MErcury Surface, Space ENvironment, GEochemistry, and Ranging", and a reference to the messenger god Mercury from Roman mythology.
Delta II 7925H-9.5
Rocket Description
Delta II is an American space launch system developed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of the Delta rocket family operated by United Launch Alliance. With more than 150 missions and a nearly perfect track record, Delta II has established itself as one of the most successful orbital launch systems.