List of space physics probes beyond Earth orbit

compiled by Wm. Robert Johnston
last updated 18 January 2006

For a listing of related links, follow links from program names. See end of table for explanation of entries and list of sources.

Contents:

Sun--operating in orbit Sun--past probes

Mercury--past probes

Venus--past probes

Moon--operating in orbit Moon--past probes

Mars--operating in orbit Mars--past probes

Jupiter--past probes

Saturn--operating in orbit Saturn--past probes

Titan--operating in Saturn orbit Titan--past probes

Uranus--past probes

Neptune--past probes

CURRENTLY OPERATING PROBES Sun--operating in orbit

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type perihelion (AU) aphelion (AU) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

ACE
Advanced Composition Explorer USA-NASA ACE 1997-045A L1 1.0 1.0 0 25 Aug 1997

Deep Impact USA-NASA Deep Impact 2005-001A trans 0.91 1.628 0.6 2005.01 12 Jan 2005 12 Jan 2005-present flyby and subprobe impact, Comet 9P/Tempel 1

Hayabusa Japan Hayabusa 2003-019A trans 0.953 1.696 7.5 9 May 2003 May 2003-present near (25143) Itokawa, landing accomplished

WMAP
Wilkinson Microwave Anisotrpy Probe USA-NASA MAP 2001-027A L2 1 1.01 0 30 Jun 2001 1 Oct 2001-present

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter USA-NASA MRO 2005-029A trans 1.013 1.680 3.1 2005.08 12 Aug 2005 12 Aug 2005-present plan Mars orbit

Messenger USA-NASA Messenger 2004-030A near 0.92 1.08 6.4 3 Aug 2004 3 Aug 2004-present plan Mercury orbit

Rosetta ESA Rosetta 2004-006A near 0.885 1.094 0.4 2 Mar 2004 2 Mar 2004-present plan (2867) Steins flyby, (21) Lutetia flyby, Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko orbit/landing

SOHO
Solar and Heliospheric Observatory USA-NASA, ESA SOHO 1995-065A L1 0.99 1 0 2 Dec 1995 2 Dec 1995-present

Stardust USA-NASA Stardust 1999-003A trans 0.92 1.70 1.9 2006.01 7 Feb 1999 7 Feb 1999-present flyby of (5535) Annefrank 2Nov2002 at 3300 km; flyby of Comet Wild 2 2Jan2004 at 240 km; delivery of sample return capsule to Earth on 15Jan2006

Ulysses USA-NASA, ESA Ulysses 1990-090B high 1.34 5.41 79.1 1992.02 6 Oct 1990 6 Oct 1990-present Jupiter flyby

Venus Express ESA Venus Express 2005-045A trans 0.702 0.993 0.26 2005.11 9 Nov 2005 9 Nov 2005-present plan Venus orbit

Voyager USA-NASA Voyager 1 1977-084A escape 3.72 5 Sep 1977 5 Sep 1977-present Jupiter/Saturn flybys

Voyager 2 1977-076A escape 78.81 20 Aug 1977 20 Aug 1977-present Jupiter/Saturn/Uranus/Neptune flybys

Wind USA-NASA Wind 1994-071A L1 0.992 1.028 0.047 1 Nov 1994 Nov 1994-present

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	perihelion (AU)	aphelion (AU)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station	notes
ACE Advanced Composition Explorer	USA-NASA	ACE	1997-045A	L1	1.0	1.0	0		25 Aug 1997
Deep Impact	USA-NASA	Deep Impact	2005-001A	trans	0.91	1.628	0.6	2005.01	12 Jan 2005	12 Jan 2005-present	flyby and subprobe impact, Comet 9P/Tempel 1
Hayabusa	Japan	Hayabusa	2003-019A	trans	0.953	1.696	7.5		9 May 2003	May 2003-present	near (25143) Itokawa, landing accomplished
WMAP Wilkinson Microwave Anisotrpy Probe	USA-NASA	MAP	2001-027A	L2	1	1.01	0		30 Jun 2001	1 Oct 2001-present
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter	USA-NASA	MRO	2005-029A	trans	1.013	1.680	3.1	2005.08	12 Aug 2005	12 Aug 2005-present	plan Mars orbit
Messenger	USA-NASA	Messenger	2004-030A	near	0.92	1.08	6.4		3 Aug 2004	3 Aug 2004-present	plan Mercury orbit
Rosetta	ESA	Rosetta	2004-006A	near	0.885	1.094	0.4		2 Mar 2004	2 Mar 2004-present	plan (2867) Steins flyby, (21) Lutetia flyby, Comet 67P/Churyumov-Gerasimenko orbit/landing
SOHO Solar and Heliospheric Observatory	USA-NASA, ESA	SOHO	1995-065A	L1	0.99	1	0		2 Dec 1995	2 Dec 1995-present
Stardust	USA-NASA	Stardust	1999-003A	trans	0.92	1.70	1.9	2006.01	7 Feb 1999	7 Feb 1999-present	flyby of (5535) Annefrank 2Nov2002 at 3300 km; flyby of Comet Wild 2 2Jan2004 at 240 km; delivery of sample return capsule to Earth on 15Jan2006
Ulysses	USA-NASA, ESA	Ulysses	1990-090B	high	1.34	5.41	79.1	1992.02	6 Oct 1990	6 Oct 1990-present	Jupiter flyby
Venus Express	ESA	Venus Express	2005-045A	trans	0.702	0.993	0.26	2005.11	9 Nov 2005	9 Nov 2005-present	plan Venus orbit
Voyager	USA-NASA	Voyager 1	1977-084A	escape	3.72		5 Sep 1977	5 Sep 1977-present	Jupiter/Saturn flybys
Voyager 2	1977-076A	escape	78.81		20 Aug 1977	20 Aug 1977-present	Jupiter/Saturn/Uranus/Neptune flybys
Wind	USA-NASA	Wind	1994-071A	L1	0.992	1.028	0.047		1 Nov 1994	Nov 1994-present

Moon--operating in orbit

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

SMART-1
Small Missions for Advanced Research in Technology ESA SMART-1 2004-043C mid 471 2880 90.06 2005.02 27 Sep 2003 15 Nov 2004-present data from Earth orbit 2003-2004

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	apoapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station	notes
SMART-1 Small Missions for Advanced Research in Technology	ESA	SMART-1	2004-043C	mid	471	2880	90.06	2005.02	27 Sep 2003	15 Nov 2004-present	data from Earth orbit 2003-2004

Mars--operating in orbit

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

Mars Express ESA Mars Express 2003-022A ecc 258 11560 86.3 2005.03 2 Jun 2003 25 Dec 2003-present

MGS
Mars Global Surveyor USA-NASA Mars Global Surveyor 1996-062A low 375 435 92.91 2004.12 7 Nov 1996 11 Sep 1997-present

2001 Mars Odyssey USA-NASA Mars Odyssey 2001-014A 99 2951 93 7 Apr 2001 23 Oct 2001-present

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	apoapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station
Mars Express	ESA	Mars Express	2003-022A	ecc	258	11560	86.3	2005.03	2 Jun 2003	25 Dec 2003-present
MGS Mars Global Surveyor	USA-NASA	Mars Global Surveyor	1996-062A	low	375	435	92.91	2004.12	7 Nov 1996	11 Sep 1997-present
2001 Mars Odyssey	USA-NASA	Mars Odyssey	2001-014A		99	2951	93		7 Apr 2001	23 Oct 2001-present

Saturn--current probes

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

Cassini USA-NASA, ESA Cassini 1997-061A ecc 338000 4100000 2006.01 15 Oct 1997 1 Jul 2004-present flybys of Titan, Enceladus, others

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	apoapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station	notes
Cassini	USA-NASA, ESA	Cassini	1997-061A	ecc	338000	4100000		2006.01	15 Oct 1997	1 Jul 2004-present	flybys of Titan, Enceladus, others

Titan--current probes

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

Cassini USA-NASA, ESA Cassini 1997-061A flyby 1174
1200
1577
2402
1025
3800
1000
1400
2000 15 Oct 1997 26 Oct 2004 (CA)
13 Dec 2004 (CA)
15 Feb 2005 (CA)
31 Mar 2005 (CA)
16 Apr 2005 (CA)
22 Aug 2005 (CA)
7 Sep 2005 (CA)
28 Oct 2005 (CA)
15 Jan 2006 (CA) Saturn orbit, multiple Titan flybys

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	apoapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station	notes
Cassini	USA-NASA, ESA	Cassini	1997-061A	flyby	1174 1200 1577 2402 1025 3800 1000 1400 2000				15 Oct 1997	26 Oct 2004 (CA) 13 Dec 2004 (CA) 15 Feb 2005 (CA) 31 Mar 2005 (CA) 16 Apr 2005 (CA) 22 Aug 2005 (CA) 7 Sep 2005 (CA) 28 Oct 2005 (CA) 15 Jan 2006 (CA)	Saturn orbit, multiple Titan flybys

PAST PROBES Sun--past probes

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

Clementine 1 (DSPSE) USA Clementine 1 (DSPSE) 1997-004A near 25 Jan 1994 25 Jan 1994-21 Feb 1994
3 May 1994-Jun 1994 defunct

Deep Space 1 USA-NASA Deep Space 1 1998-061A trans 1.3 1.44 0.22 24 Oct 1998 24 Oct 1998-18 Dec 2001 flyby of (9969) Braille 29Jul1999 at 26 km; flyby of Comet Borrelly 22Sep2001 at 2171 km; defunct

Genesis USA-NASA Genesis Bus 2001-034A near 0.896 0.99 0.28 2004.09 8 Aug 2001 8 Aug 2001-Sep 2004+ carried sample return

Genesis return canister 2001-034A L1 8 Aug 2001 8 Aug 2001-8 Sep 2004 hard landing but samples recovered

Giotto ESA Giotto 1985-056A inner 0.733 1.04 2.09 1992.07 2 Jul 1985 Jul 1985-23 Jul 1992 flyby of Comet 1P/Halley 14Mar1986 at 596 km; flyby of Comet 26P/Grigg-Skjellerup 10Jul1992 at 200 km; defunct

Helios Germany Helios 1 1974-097A inner 0.309 0.985 0.02 1975.01 10 Dec 1974 10 Dec 1974-? defunct?

Helios 2 1976-003A inner 0.289 0.983 0 1976.07 15 Jan 1976 15 Jan 1976-? defunct?

ICE USA-NASA ICE (ISEE 3) 1978-079A near 0.926 1.033 0.1 1990.01 12 Aug 1978 12 Aug 1978-Jan 1994+ flyby of Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner 11Sep1985 at 7862 km; defunct?

Mariner 2 USA-NASA Mariner 2 1962-041A inner 0.705 1.227 1.4 27 Aug 1962 27 Aug 1962-3 Jan 1963 flyby of Venus

Mariner 10 USA-NASA Mariner 10 1973-085A inner 0.47 0.76 4 Nov 1973 4 Nov 1973-24 Mar 1975 flyby of Venus, three flybys of Mercury, defunct

Nozomi Japan Nozomi (Planet-B) 1998-041A trans 0.976 1.444 3 3 Jul 1998 3 Jul 1998-Dec 2003+ defunct?

Pioneer USA-NASA Pioneer 6 1965-105A inner 0.814 0.983 0.17 1982.01 16 Dec 1965 16 Dec 1965-8 Dec 2000 defunct

Pioneer 7 1966-075A near 1.009 1.125 0.1 1976.02 17 Aug 1966 17 Aug 1966-Mar 1995 defunct

Pioneer 8 1967-123A near 0.992 1.088 0.06 1975.09 13 Dec 1967 13 Dec 1967-22 Aug 1996 defunct

Pioneer 9 1968-100A inner 0.754 0.99 0.09 1976.02 8 Nov 1968 8 Nov 1968-18 May 1983 defunct

Pioneer 10/11 USA-NASA Pioneer 10 1972-012A escape 3 3 Mar 1972 3 Mar 1972-25 Feb 2003 defunct

Pioneer 11 1973-019A escape 14.6 6 Apr 1973 6 Apr 1973-2001 defunct

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	apoapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station	notes
Clementine 1 (DSPSE)	USA	Clementine 1 (DSPSE)	1997-004A	near					25 Jan 1994	25 Jan 1994-21 Feb 1994 3 May 1994-Jun 1994	defunct
Deep Space 1	USA-NASA	Deep Space 1	1998-061A	trans	1.3	1.44	0.22		24 Oct 1998	24 Oct 1998-18 Dec 2001	flyby of (9969) Braille 29Jul1999 at 26 km; flyby of Comet Borrelly 22Sep2001 at 2171 km; defunct
Genesis	USA-NASA	Genesis Bus	2001-034A	near	0.896	0.99	0.28	2004.09	8 Aug 2001	8 Aug 2001-Sep 2004+	carried sample return
Genesis return canister	2001-034A	L1					8 Aug 2001	8 Aug 2001-8 Sep 2004	hard landing but samples recovered
Giotto	ESA	Giotto	1985-056A	inner	0.733	1.04	2.09	1992.07	2 Jul 1985	Jul 1985-23 Jul 1992	flyby of Comet 1P/Halley 14Mar1986 at 596 km; flyby of Comet 26P/Grigg-Skjellerup 10Jul1992 at 200 km; defunct
Helios	Germany	Helios 1	1974-097A	inner	0.309	0.985	0.02	1975.01	10 Dec 1974	10 Dec 1974-?	defunct?
Helios 2	1976-003A	inner	0.289	0.983	0	1976.07	15 Jan 1976	15 Jan 1976-?	defunct?
ICE	USA-NASA	ICE (ISEE 3)	1978-079A	near	0.926	1.033	0.1	1990.01	12 Aug 1978	12 Aug 1978-Jan 1994+	flyby of Comet 21P/Giacobini-Zinner 11Sep1985 at 7862 km; defunct?
Mariner 2	USA-NASA	Mariner 2	1962-041A	inner	0.705	1.227	1.4		27 Aug 1962	27 Aug 1962-3 Jan 1963	flyby of Venus
Mariner 10	USA-NASA	Mariner 10	1973-085A	inner	0.47	0.76			4 Nov 1973	4 Nov 1973-24 Mar 1975	flyby of Venus, three flybys of Mercury, defunct
Nozomi	Japan	Nozomi (Planet-B)	1998-041A	trans	0.976	1.444	3		3 Jul 1998	3 Jul 1998-Dec 2003+	defunct?
Pioneer	USA-NASA	Pioneer 6	1965-105A	inner	0.814	0.983	0.17	1982.01	16 Dec 1965	16 Dec 1965-8 Dec 2000	defunct
Pioneer 7	1966-075A	near	1.009	1.125	0.1	1976.02	17 Aug 1966	17 Aug 1966-Mar 1995	defunct
Pioneer 8	1967-123A	near	0.992	1.088	0.06	1975.09	13 Dec 1967	13 Dec 1967-22 Aug 1996	defunct
Pioneer 9	1968-100A	inner	0.754	0.99	0.09	1976.02	8 Nov 1968	8 Nov 1968-18 May 1983	defunct
Pioneer 10/11	USA-NASA	Pioneer 10	1972-012A	escape	3		3 Mar 1972	3 Mar 1972-25 Feb 2003	defunct
Pioneer 11	1973-019A	escape	14.6		6 Apr 1973	6 Apr 1973-2001	defunct

Mercury--past probes

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

Mariner 10 USA-NASA Mariner 10 1973-085A flyby ?
?
327 4 Nov 1973 29 Mar 1974 (CA)
21 Sep 1974 (CA)
16 Mar 1975 (CA) solar orbit, 3 Mercury flybys

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	apoapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station	notes
Mariner 10	USA-NASA	Mariner 10	1973-085A	flyby	? ? 327				4 Nov 1973	29 Mar 1974 (CA) 21 Sep 1974 (CA) 16 Mar 1975 (CA)	solar orbit, 3 Mercury flybys

Venus--past probes

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

Magellan USA-NASA Magellan 1989-033B ecc 182 8543 85.5 1994.10 4 May 1989 10 Aug 1990-12 Oct 1994 defunct, atmospheric entry 14Oct1994

Pioneer Venus USA-NASA Pioneer Venus 1 Orbiter 1978-051A ecc 180 66630 105 1979.11 20 May 1978 4 Dec 1978-Aug 1992 atmospheric entry

Venera 15/16 USSR Venera 15 1983-053A 1030 66030 92.5 1983.10 2 Jun 1983 10 Nov 1983-?

Venera 16 1983-054A 1600 65200 87 7 Jun 1983 14 Nov 1983-?

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	apoapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station	notes
Magellan	USA-NASA	Magellan	1989-033B	ecc	182	8543	85.5	1994.10	4 May 1989	10 Aug 1990-12 Oct 1994	defunct, atmospheric entry 14Oct1994
Pioneer Venus	USA-NASA	Pioneer Venus 1 Orbiter	1978-051A	ecc	180	66630	105	1979.11	20 May 1978	4 Dec 1978-Aug 1992	atmospheric entry
Venera 15/16	USSR	Venera 15	1983-053A		1030	66030	92.5	1983.10	2 Jun 1983	10 Nov 1983-?
Venera 16	1983-054A		1600	65200	87		7 Jun 1983	14 Nov 1983-?

Moon--past probes

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

Apollo 15 USA-NASA Apollo 15 (IRW PL) 1971-063D low 97 135 28.5 1971.08 26 Jul 1971 4 Aug 1971-3 Feb 1972 defunct, minimal data to Jan1973

Apollo 16 USA-NASA Apollo 16 (IRW PL) 1972-031D low 90 130 169.28 1972.04 16 Apr 1972 24 Apr 1972-29 May 1972 impact

Clementine 1 (DSPSE) USA Clementine 1 (DSPSE) 1997-004A ecc 400 8300 90 25 Jan 1994 21 Feb 1994-3 May 1994 left for solar orbit

Hiten Japan Hiten 1990-007A ecc 422 1993.02 24 Jan 1990 15 Feb 1993-10 Apr 1993 impact

Lunar Orbiter USA-NASA Lunar Orbiter 1 1966-073A ecc 58 1867 12.2 1966.08 10 Aug 1967 14 Aug 1967-29 Oct 1966 impact notes

Lunar Orbiter 2 1966-100A ecc 50 1850 11.8 1966.11 6 Nov 1967 Nov 1967-11 Oct 1967 impact

Lunar Orbiter 3 1967-008A ecc 55 1847 20.9 1967.02 5 Feb 1967 8 Feb 1967-9 Oct 1967 impact

Lunar Orbiter 4 1967-041A mid 2706 6111 85.5 1967.05 4 May 1967 May 1967-31 Oct 1967 impact

Lunar Orbiter 5 1967-075A ecc 99 1499 85 1967.08 1 Aug 1967 5 Aug 1967-31 Jan 1968 impact

Lunar Prospector USA-NASA Lunar Prospector 1998-001A low 99 101 90.55 1998.12 7 Jan 1998 11 Jan 1998-31 Jul 1999 impact

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	apoapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station	notes
Apollo 15	USA-NASA	Apollo 15 (IRW PL)	1971-063D	low	97	135	28.5	1971.08	26 Jul 1971	4 Aug 1971-3 Feb 1972	defunct, minimal data to Jan1973
Apollo 16	USA-NASA	Apollo 16 (IRW PL)	1972-031D	low	90	130	169.28	1972.04	16 Apr 1972	24 Apr 1972-29 May 1972	impact
Clementine 1 (DSPSE)	USA	Clementine 1 (DSPSE)	1997-004A	ecc	400	8300	90		25 Jan 1994	21 Feb 1994-3 May 1994	left for solar orbit
Hiten	Japan	Hiten	1990-007A	ecc	422			1993.02	24 Jan 1990	15 Feb 1993-10 Apr 1993	impact
Lunar Orbiter	USA-NASA	Lunar Orbiter 1	1966-073A	ecc	58	1867	12.2	1966.08	10 Aug 1967	14 Aug 1967-29 Oct 1966	impact	notes
Lunar Orbiter 2	1966-100A	ecc	50	1850	11.8	1966.11	6 Nov 1967	Nov 1967-11 Oct 1967	impact
Lunar Orbiter 3	1967-008A	ecc	55	1847	20.9	1967.02	5 Feb 1967	8 Feb 1967-9 Oct 1967	impact
Lunar Orbiter 4	1967-041A	mid	2706	6111	85.5	1967.05	4 May 1967	May 1967-31 Oct 1967	impact
Lunar Orbiter 5	1967-075A	ecc	99	1499	85	1967.08	1 Aug 1967	5 Aug 1967-31 Jan 1968	impact
Lunar Prospector	USA-NASA	Lunar Prospector	1998-001A	low	99	101	90.55	1998.12	7 Jan 1998	11 Jan 1998-31 Jul 1999	impact

Mars--past probes

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

Mariner 9 USA-NASA Mariner 9 1971-051A ecc 1394 17144 64.34 30 May 1971 14 Nov 1971-27 Nov 1972 defunct

Phobos USSR Phobos 2 1988-059A mid 6145 6409 1.3 12 Jul 1988 25 Mar 1989-27 Mar 1989 defunct

Viking USA-NASA Viking Lander 1 1975-075C landing 0 20 Aug 1975 20 Jul 1976 (L) defunct

Viking Lander 2 1975-083C landing 0 9 Sep 1975 3 Sep 1976 (L) defunct

Viking Orbiter 1 1975-075A ecc 411 56275 38 1980.08 20 Aug 1975 19 Jun 1976-7 Aug 1980 defunct

Viking Orbiter 2 1975-083A ecc 302 33176 80.3 1980.07 9 Sep 1975 7 Aug 1976-25 Jul 1978 defunct

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	apoapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station	notes
Mariner 9	USA-NASA	Mariner 9	1971-051A	ecc	1394	17144	64.34		30 May 1971	14 Nov 1971-27 Nov 1972	defunct
Phobos	USSR	Phobos 2	1988-059A	mid	6145	6409	1.3		12 Jul 1988	25 Mar 1989-27 Mar 1989	defunct
Viking	USA-NASA	Viking Lander 1	1975-075C	landing	0				20 Aug 1975	20 Jul 1976 (L)	defunct
Viking Lander 2	1975-083C	landing	0				9 Sep 1975	3 Sep 1976 (L)	defunct
Viking Orbiter 1	1975-075A	ecc	411	56275	38	1980.08	20 Aug 1975	19 Jun 1976-7 Aug 1980	defunct
Viking Orbiter 2	1975-083A	ecc	302	33176	80.3	1980.07	9 Sep 1975	7 Aug 1976-25 Jul 1978	defunct

Jupiter--past probes

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

Cassini USA-NASA, ESA Cassini 1997-061A flyby 9720000 15 Oct 1997 30 Dec 2000 (CA)

Galileo USA-NASA Galileo Orbiter 1989-084B ecc 18 Oct 1989 7 Dec 1995-21 Sep 2003 atmospheric entry, data to 9300 km

Galileo Probe 1989-084E landing 18 Oct 1989 ?-7 Dec 1995 atmospheric entry, data to -160 km

Pioneer 10/11 USA-NASA Pioneer 10 1972-012A flyby 130300 3 Mar 1972 4 Dec 1973 (CA)

Pioneer 11 1973-019A flyby 42940 6 Apr 1973 3 Dec 1974 (CA)

Ulysses USA-NASA, ESA Ulysses 1990-090B 310000 6 Oct 1990 8 Feb 1992 (CA)

Voyager USA-NASA Voyager 1 1977-084A flyby 277500 5 Sep 1977 5 Mar 1979 (CA)

Voyager 2 1977-076A flyby 650300 20 Aug 1977 9 Jul 1979 (CA)

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station	notes
Cassini	USA-NASA, ESA	Cassini	1997-061A	flyby	9720000			15 Oct 1997	30 Dec 2000 (CA)
Galileo	USA-NASA	Galileo Orbiter	1989-084B	ecc				18 Oct 1989	7 Dec 1995-21 Sep 2003	atmospheric entry, data to 9300 km
Galileo Probe	1989-084E	landing	18 Oct 1989	?-7 Dec 1995	atmospheric entry, data to -160 km
Pioneer 10/11	USA-NASA	Pioneer 10	1972-012A	flyby	130300			3 Mar 1972	4 Dec 1973 (CA)
Pioneer 11	1973-019A	flyby	42940			6 Apr 1973	3 Dec 1974 (CA)
Ulysses	USA-NASA, ESA	Ulysses	1990-090B		310000			6 Oct 1990	8 Feb 1992 (CA)
Voyager	USA-NASA	Voyager 1	1977-084A	flyby	277500			5 Sep 1977	5 Mar 1979 (CA)
Voyager 2	1977-076A	flyby	650300			20 Aug 1977	9 Jul 1979 (CA)

Saturn--past probes

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

Pioneer 11 USA-NASA Pioneer 11 1973-019A flyby 20800 6 Apr 1973 1 Sep 1979 (CA)

Voyager USA-NASA Voyager 1 1977-084A flyby 124000 5 Sep 1977 12 Nov 1980 (CA)

Voyager 2 1977-076A flyby 100700 20 Aug 1977 26 Aug 1981 (CA)

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station
Pioneer 11	USA-NASA	Pioneer 11	1973-019A	flyby	20800			6 Apr 1973	1 Sep 1979 (CA)
Voyager	USA-NASA	Voyager 1	1977-084A	flyby	124000			5 Sep 1977	12 Nov 1980 (CA)
Voyager 2	1977-076A	flyby	100700			20 Aug 1977	26 Aug 1981 (CA)

Titan--past probes

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

Cassini USA-NASA, ESA Huygens 1997-061A landing 0 15 Oct 1997 14 Jan 2005 (L)

Voyager 1 USA-NASA Voyager 1 1977-084A flyby 3910 5 Sep 1977 12 Nov 1980 (CA)

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	apoapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station	notes
Cassini	USA-NASA, ESA	Huygens	1997-061A	landing	0				15 Oct 1997	14 Jan 2005 (L)
Voyager 1	USA-NASA	Voyager 1	1977-084A	flyby	3910				5 Sep 1977	12 Nov 1980 (CA)

Uranus--past probes

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

Voyager USA-NASA Voyager 2 1977-076A flyby 80800 20 Aug 1977 24 Jan 1986 (CA)

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	apoapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station	notes
Voyager	USA-NASA	Voyager 2	1977-076A	flyby	80800				20 Aug 1977	24 Jan 1986 (CA)

Neptune--past probes

program country satellite sat. ID orbit
type periapsis (km) apoapsis (km) incl. ° epoch launch on station notes

Voyager USA-NASA Voyager 2 1977-076A flyby 5016 20 Aug 1977 25 Aug 1989 (CA)

program	country	satellite	sat. ID	orbit type	periapsis (km)	apoapsis (km)	incl. °	epoch	launch	on station	notes
Voyager	USA-NASA	Voyager 2	1977-076A	flyby	5016				20 Aug 1977	25 Aug 1989 (CA)

Notes:

Country is the operating country; for USA spacecraft, operating agency is also given.

Orbit type uses these designations for probes orbiting planets/moons/satellites (primary), in terms of the primary's radius R:

low--apoapsis less than 0.5 R
ecc--periapsis less than 0.5 R, apoapsis greater than 0.5 R
mid--periapsis greater than 0.5 R
--
flyby--hyperbolic flyby

Orbit type for probes in solar orbit:

L1--Lagrange L1 position, Sun-Earth orbit
L2--Lagrange L2 position, Sun-Earth orbit
near--solar orbit, near Earth (perihelion > 0.85 AU and aphelion < 1.15 AU)
inner--solar orbit, inner solar system (perihelion < 0.85 AU)
trans--solar orbit, transfer to Earth-Mars neighborhood (perihelion > 0.85 AU, 1.15 AU < aphelion < 3 AU)
outer--solar orbit, outer solar system (aphelion > 3 AU)
high--solar orbit, high inclination at any distance (inclination > 30°)
escape--on solar system escape trajectory (hyperbolic)

Apoapsis and periapsis are altitudes above the primary's surface; for solar orbits, perihelion and aphelion are measured from the center of the Sun.

Inclination in degrees with respect to the primary's equator; for solar orbits, inclination is with respect to the ecliptic.

Epoch is the year and month of the orbital elements given.

Launch date is GMT.

On station for orbiters gives date orbit attained to date of last telemetry or date left orbit; for flybys and landers, date of closest approach/landing is given; "present" indicates probes still operating on station, (CA) indicates closest approach date, (L) indicates landing date.

Notes

Orbital data is compiled from the following sources:

NSSDC
Jonathan's Space Home Page
Encyclopedia Astronautica
and public web sites for specific probes

© 2005, 2006 by Wm. Robert Johnston.
Last modified 18 January 2006.
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