MARS CLIMATE ORBITER FACT SHEET Mission "Volatiles and Climate History" Launch The orbiter was launched from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) Space Launch Complex 17 (SLC-17) on December 11, 1998. Launch Vehicle McDonnell Douglas Delta II 7425. The upper stage consists of a spin stabilized Star 48 with a Nutation Control System and a yo-yo despin device. Spacecraft Mass 643 kg Science Payload -Mars Color Imager (MARCI) -Pressure Modulator Infrared Radiometer Mission Timeline: December 10, 1998: Launch September 23, 1999: Lost during Mars Orbit Insertion Mission Logo