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MESSENGER Spacecraft System

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory-built and operated MESSENGER spacecraft used six gravity assists to enter Mercury orbit and study the planet for more than four years before its planned terminal impact.

MESSENGER Spacecraft System
NASA / NASA Kennedy Space Center · NASA-hosted asset; the exact NASA Images API record KSC-04pd0433 is byte-identical to this photograph of NASA’s MESSENGER spacecraft at the Astrotech Space Operations clean room and identifies the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory employees shown with it. NASA’s current Images and Media Usage Guidelines generally permit factual or informational/editorial use with NASA attribution and without implying NASA endorsement. The image includes identifiable personnel and a Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory mark or other third-party material; commercial, promotional, merchandise, or other uses involving people, logos, or protected third-party rights may require separate clearance; verify before such use. · Source
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Identity

Aliases
Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry, and Ranging spacecraft
Family Name
MESSENGER
Full Name
MESSENGER Spacecraft System
Roles
interplanetary_probeorbiter
Status
retired
Type
spacecraft

Details

Description
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory-built and operated MESSENGER spacecraft used six gravity assists to enter Mercury orbit and study the planet for more than four years before its planned terminal impact.
First Flight Year
2,004
Last Flight Year
2,015
Manufacturer
Operator
Spacecraft Specs
Reusability
unknown

Links

Official Url
https://science.nasa.gov/mission/messenger/

Assets & Meta

Creation Time
July 17, 2026 at 00:21:18 UTC
Updated Time
July 19, 2026 at 03:31:18 UTC
Image
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Other

Search Name
MESSENGER Spacecraft System Mercury Surface, Space Environment, Geochemistry, and Ranging spacecraft