Mission | Date/Time | Event |
messenger | 2004.08.03.02.16.00 | Launch |
messenger | 2005.08.02.19.13.00 | Earth Fly-By. Closest approach above Central China (2,348 km) |
messenger | 2005.12.12.11.30.00 | Deep Space Maneuvre 1 |
messenger | 2006.10.24.08.34.00 | Venus Flyby 1 (2987km alt.) |
messenger | 2007.06.05.23.08.19 | Venus Flyby 2 (338km alt.) |
messenger | 2008.01.14.19.04.39 | Mercury Flyby 1 (201km alt.) |
messenger | 2008.09.29.12.00.00 | Upload of flyby sequence to Messenger |
messenger | 2008.10.02.21.47.00 | Start execution of stored command load. |
messenger | 2008.10.03.03.30.00 | First of eight Optical Navigation images taken on approach to Mercury. |
messenger | 2008.10.03.07.10.00 | Pre-Encounter Magnetometer calibration. Spacecraft roll about Y-axis. Combined observation with MASCS. |
messenger | 2008.10.03.16.00.00 | Second of eight Optical Navigation images taken on approach to Mercury. |
messenger | 2008.10.03.20.45.00 | Start continuous Deep-Space Network (DSN) coverage of encounter. |
messenger | 2008.10.03.21.30.00 | Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) cryogenic cooler is enabled prior to encounter. |
messenger | 2008.10.04.00.02.00 | X-Ray Spectrometer (XRS) electronic cooler is enabled prior to encounter. |
messenger | 2008.10.04.04.00.00 | Third of eight Optical Navigation images taken on approach to Mercury. |
messenger | 2008.10.04.12.00.00 | Fourth of eight Optical Navigation images taken on approach to Mercury. |
messenger | 2008.10.04.20.00.00 | Fifth of eight Optical Navigation images taken on approach to Mercury. |
messenger | 2008.10.04.23.03.00 | Complete GRS cool-down and configure for science gathering mode. |
messenger | 2008.10.05.04.00.00 | Sixth of eight Optical Navigation images taken on approach to Mercury. |
messenger | 2008.10.05.12.00.00 | Seventh of eight Optical Navigation images taken on approach to Mercury. |
messenger | 2008.10.05.18.00.00 | Last of eight Optical Navigation images taken on approach to Mercury. |
messenger | 2008.10.05.20.32.51 | Enters Mercury Hillsphere |
messenger | 2008.10.05.22.03.00 | Turn to start encounter imaging sequence. Beacon-only tracking of satellite begins. |
messenger | 2008.10.05.22.45.00 | Begin scans of Mercury solar tail with MASCS. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.02.40.00 | Configure Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer (FIPS) to burst- data collection mode. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.02.40.00 | Configure Magnetometer. GRS and Neutron Spectrometer to high sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.03.00.00 | Configure Energetic Particle Spectrometer (EPS) to high sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.04.10.00 | Start approach scattered light sequence using wide angle camera (WAC). |
messenger | 2008.10.06.05.40.00 | Configure XRS to high sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.07.11.00 | Collect approach full-color image using WAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.07.40.00 | Configure GRS and NS for high sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.07.42.00 | Start approach mosaic image sequence using narrow-angle camera (NAC). |
messenger | 2008.10.06.07.45.00 | Configure Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) for science-gathering mode. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.08.25.00 | MESSENGER passes into shadow of Mercury (eclipse entry). |
messenger | 2008.10.06.08.26.00 | MASCS: Complete scans of Mercury solar tail. start night exospheric observation sequence |
messenger | 2008.10.06.08.27.00 | Start spacecraft slew sequence to point instrument deck at planet. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.08.36.00 | Start Mercury surface laser ranging using MLA. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.08.40.21 | Mercury closest approach (CA) point (200 km above surface) |
messenger | 2008.10.06.08.42.00 | MESSENGER passes out of shadow of Mercury (eclipse exit). |
messenger | 2008.10.06.08.45.00 | Start dayside surface scan with MASCS. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.08.48.00 | Start focused color departure mosaic image sequence using WAC. Perform combined observations with MLA and MASCS. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.08.50.00 | Complete Mercury surface laser ranging using MLA. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.08.55.00 | Start dayside low-exospheric observation sequence with MASCS. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.08.56.00 | Start high-resolution image strip sequence across Mercury surface using NAC. Conduct combined observations with MASCS. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.08.57.00 | Start dayside high-exospheric observation sequence with MASCS. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.09.01.00 | Start high-resolution image mosaic sequence covering northern hemisphere using NAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.09.23.00 | Start full-color high resolution image mosaic sequence covering entire visible surface. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.09.37.00 | Begin instrument co-registration sequence #1 using WAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.09.38.00 | Begin instrument co-registration sequence #2 using WAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.09.40.00 | Begin instrument pointing alignment sequence using WAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.09.40.00 | Configure NS for medium sensitivity mode. GRS for low sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.09.46.00 | Start first high-resolution image mosaic sequence covering entire visible surface using NAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.09.59.00 | Start second high-resolution image mosaic sequence covering entire visible surface using NAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.10.09.00 | Take first departure full-color image of Mercury using both WAC and NAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.10.12.00 | Start first departure scattered-light sequence using WAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.10.40.00 | Take second departure full-color image of Mercury using both WAC and NAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.11.40.00 | Configure XRS to normal sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.11.40.00 | Take third departure full-color image of Mercury using both WAC and NAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.13.09.00 | Take fourth departure full-color image of Mercury using both WAC and NAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.13.12.00 | Start second departure scattered-light sequence using WAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.13.38.00 | Start departure movie sequence using NAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.14.40.00 | Configure FIPS instrument to Normal data collection mode. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.14.41.00 | Configure EPS. Magnetometer and NS to low sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.18.10.00 | Take fifth departure full-color image of Mercury using both WAC and NAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.20.40.00 | Configure GRS to non-science mode. Start cooler set point test sequence. |
messenger | 2008.10.06.20.47.35 | Exits Mercury Hillsphere |
messenger | 2008.10.07.04.38.00 | Complete departure movie sequence using NAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.07.04.40.00 | Take sixth departure full-color image of Mercury using both WAC and NAC. |
messenger | 2008.10.07.04.50.00 | Turn back to Earth following encounter. Regain telemetry from spacecraft. |
messenger | 2008.10.07.05.43.00 | Start on-board stored-data playback from spacecraft. |
messenger | 2008.10.07.06.30.00 | Complete playback of high-priority images. |
messenger | 2008.10.07.08.22.00 | Complete playback of all high-priority non-imaging science data through 21 hours after CA. |
messenger | 2008.10.07.11.40.00 | Disable XRS gas proportional counter sensor (GPCS). |
messenger | 2008.10.07.12.27.00 | Complete playback of all medium-priority non-imaging science data through 2 hours and 20 minutes after CA. |
messenger | 2008.10.08.01.06.00 | Configure GRS for post-encounter sensor annealing. |
messenger | 2008.10.08.11.05.00 | End continuous DSN coverage for encounter. Complete playback of all high-priority non-imaging data … |
messenger | 2008.10.09.01.05.00 | Start additional DSN 70m coverage for data playback. |
messenger | 2008.10.09.04.00.00 | End execution of stored command load. |
messenger | 2008.10.09.06.50.00 | End DSN 70m coverage for data playback Complete playback of all high-priority non-imaging data through … |
messenger | 2008.10.15.12.00.00 | Perihelion |
messenger | 2008.12.04.12.00.00 | Deep Space Maneuver 4 Part 1 |
messenger | 2008.12.08.12.00.00 | Deep Space Maneuver 4 Part 2 |
messenger | 2008.12.12.12.00.00 | Apohelion |
messenger | 2009.02.09.12.00.00 | Perihelion |
messenger | 2009.04.09.12.00.00 | Apohelion |
messenger | 2009.06.06.18.05.28 | Perihelion (0.312 AU from Solar System Barycenter) |
messenger | 2009.08.04.14.29.31 | Apohelion (0.628AU from Solar System Barycenter. Speed 109,598km/h) |
messenger | 2009.09.22.06.20.00 | Start Mercury Dual Imaging System (MDIS) pre-flyby planet phase imaging campaign |
messenger | 2009.09.25.09.55.00 | Collect first MDIS public release image. |
messenger | 2009.09.25.20.20.00 | Start continuous Deep-Space Network (DSN) coverage of encounter. |
messenger | 2009.09.26.21.35.00 | Pre-Encounter Magnetometer calibration. |
messenger | 2009.09.26.21.35.00 | Spacecraft roll about Y-axis. |
messenger | 2009.09.26.21.35.00 | Combined observation with Mercury Atmospheric and Surface Composition Spectrometer (MASCS). |
messenger | 2009.09.27.01.10.00 | Start execution of stored command load. |
messenger | 2009.09.27.02.37.00 | Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) cryogenic cooler is enabled prior to encounter. |
messenger | 2009.09.27.14.37.00 | Complete GRS cool-down and configure for science gathering mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.27.14.55.00 | Collect Second MDIS Public Release Image |
messenger | 2009.09.27.22.52.00 | X-Ray Spectrometer (XRS) Gas Proportional Counters enabled for encounter. |
messenger | 2009.09.28.01.46.00 | Collect third MDIS public release image. |
messenger | 2009.09.28.12.45.00 | Collect fourth MDIS public release image. |
messenger | 2009.09.28.14.24.00 | Turn to start encounter imaging sequence. Beacon-only tracking of satellite begins. |
messenger | 2009.09.28.14.55.00 | Begin far distance solar tail scans of Mercury with MASCS. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.04.30.00 | End far distance solar tail scans of Mercury with MASCS and Start mid distance solar tail scans of Mercury. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.06.56.00 | End MDIS pre-flyby planet phase imaging campaign. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.10.55.00 | Approach color imaging sequence #1 with MDIS wide angle camera (WAC). |
messenger | 2009.09.29.14.19.00 | Complete mid distance scans of Mercury solar tail and begin Mercury pole scans with MASCS. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.15.30.00 | Configure Fast Imaging Plasma Spectrometer (FIPS) to burst- data collection mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.15.30.00 | Configure Energetic Particle Spectrometer (EPS) to high sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.15.55.00 | Configure Magnetometer to high sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.15.55.00 | Configure GRS for medium sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.15.55.00 | Configure Neutron Spectrometer (NS) for medium sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.16.27.00 | Complete pole scans of Mercury and begin near distance solar tail scans of Mercury with MASCS. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.16.55.00 | Approach color imaging sequence #2 with MDIS WAC. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.18.35.00 | Approach color imaging sequence #3 with MDIS WAC. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.19.25.00 | Approach color imaging sequence #4 with MDIS WAC. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.19.46.00 | Approach color imaging sequence #5 with MDIS WAC. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.19.52.00 | Configure XRS to medium sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.20.36.00 | Start approach full planet mosaic image sequence using MDIS narrow-angle camera (NAC). |
messenger | 2009.09.29.20.55.00 | Configure GRS for high sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.20.55.00 | Configure NS for high sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.21.01.00 | Configure Mercury Laser Altimeter (MLA) for science-gathering mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.21.40.00 | Complete near distance solar tail scans of Mercury and start night/near terminator exospheric observation sequence with MASCS. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.21.41.00 | MESSENGER passes into shadow of Mercury (eclipse entry). |
messenger | 2009.09.29.21.42.00 | Start spacecraft slew sequence to point instrument deck at planet and perform pre-close approach NS instrument sweep. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.21.49.00 | Start Mercury surface laser ranging using MLA. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.21.51.00 | Complete night/near terminator exospheric observation sequence with MASCS. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.21.52.00 | Configure XRS to high sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.21.54.58 | Mercury Flyby 3 (228km alt.) |
messenger | 2009.09.29.21.59.00 | MESSENGER passes out of shadow of Mercury (eclipse exit). |
messenger | 2009.09.29.22.03.00 | MESSENGER loses contact with Earth (occultation enter). |
messenger | 2009.09.29.22.06.00 | Perform post-close approch NS instrument sweep using spacecraft rotation. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.22.07.00 | Complete Mercury surface laser ranging using MLA. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.22.10.00 | Start combined surface targeting campaign with MDIS WAC and MASCS (11 Surface Targets). |
messenger | 2009.09.29.22.24.00 | Execute dayside exospheric observation sequence with MASCS. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.22.30.00 | Start high-resolution image mosaic sequence covering southern hemisphere using NAC. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.22.52.00 | Start full-color high resolution image mosaic sequence covering entire visible surface. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.22.54.00 | MESSENGER regains contact with Earth (occultation exit). |
messenger | 2009.09.29.22.55.00 | Configure NS for medium sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.22.55.00 | Configure GRS for low sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.23.06.00 | Start first high-resolution image mosaic sequence covering entire visible surface using NAC. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.23.35.00 | Start second high-resolution image mosaic sequence covering entire visible surface using NAC. |
messenger | 2009.09.29.23.52.00 | Configure XRS to medium sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.00.00.00 | Take first departure full-color image of Mercury using both WAC and NAC. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.00.25.00 | Take Second departure full-color image of Mercury using both WAC and NAC. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.01.15.00 | Take third departure full-color image of Mercury using both WAC and NAC. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.01.27.00 | Turn back to Earth following encounter. Regain telemetry from spacecraft. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.01.52.00 | Configure XRS to normal sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.02.55.00 | Take fourth departure full-color image of Mercury using both WAC and NAC. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.03.32.00 | Start on-board stored-data playback from spacecraft. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.03.55.00 | Configure Magnetometer to low sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.03.55.00 | Configure NS to low sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.04.00.00 | Configure EPS to low sensitivity mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.04.25.00 | Configure FIPS instrument to normal data collection mode. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.04.34.00 | Complete playback of high-priority images. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.08.55.00 | Take fifth departure full-color image of Mercury using both WAC and NAC. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.09.55.00 | Start MDIS post-flyby planet phase imaging campaign. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.15.23.00 | Complete playback of all high-priority and low-priority non-imaging science data through 17 hours after close approach point. |
messenger | 2009.09.30.22.16.00 | Start first Mercury satellite search sequence using MDIS WAC. |
messenger | 2009.10.01.01.55.00 | Start second Mercury satellite search sequence using MDIS WAC. |
messenger | 2009.10.01.04.56.00 | Complete playback of all non-imaging science data through 30 hours after close approach point. |
messenger | 2009.10.01.10.55.00 | Configure GRS to non-science mode. Start cooler set point test sequence. |
messenger | 2009.10.01.22.52.00 | Disable XRS gas proportional counter sensor (GPCS). |
messenger | 2009.10.02.01.19.00 | End continuous DSN coverage for encounter. |
messenger | 2009.10.02.08.28.00 | Start third Mercury satellite search sequence using MDIS WAC. |
messenger | 2009.10.03.04.29.00 | End execution of stored command load. |
messenger | 2009.10.04.08.02.03 | Perihelion (0.306AU from Solar System Barycenter. Speed 222,436km/h) |
messenger | 2009.11.25.12.00.00 | Apohelion |
messenger | 2009.11.29.12.00.00 | Deep Space Maneuver 5 |
messenger | 2010.01.17.12.00.00 | Perihelion |
messenger | 2010.03.11.12.00.00 | Apohelion |
messenger | 2010.05.03.12.00.00 | Perihelion |
messenger | 2010.07.25.12.00.00 | Apohelion |
messenger | 2010.08.16.12.00.00 | Perihelion |
messenger | 2010.10.08.12.00.00 | Apohelion |
messenger | 2010.11.30.12.00.00 | Perihelion |
messenger | 2011.01.22.12.00.00 | Apohelion |
messenger | 2011.03.16.00.45.00 | Start initial pre-burn propulsion system configuration |
messenger | 2011.03.16.12.00.00 | Perihelion |
messenger | 2011.03.16.15.31.00 | Start critical Deep Space Network coverage (two stations, one primary and one backup) |
messenger | 2011.03.17.00.45.00 | Spacecraft commanded to pre-critical burn configuration |
messenger | 2011.03.17.20.51.00 | Start DSN burn coverage (four stations arrayed together) |
messenger | 2011.03.17.22.21.00 | Finish DSN burn coverage (Backup 70-m antenna) |
messenger | 2011.03.17.23.37.00 | Start final pre-burn propulsion system configuration |
messenger | 2011.03.18.00.00.00 | Start RF configuration for burn execution |
messenger | 2011.03.18.00.12.00 | Complete RF configuration for burn execution |
messenger | 2011.03.18.00.15.00 | Turn spacecraft to burn attitude and configure attitude control for burn execution |
messenger | 2011.03.18.00.25.00 | Configure solar arrays for burn execution |
messenger | 2011.03.18.00.40.00 | Configure spacecraft fault protection for burn execution |
messenger | 2011.03.18.00.45.20 | Mercury orbit insertion (MOI) engine ignition |
messenger | 2011.03.18.00.49.25 | Mercury closest approach (CA) point (200 km above surface) |
messenger | 2011.03.18.00.59.58 | Engine shutdown |
messenger | 2011.03.18.01.12.00 | Turn spacecraft to Earth and acquire post-maneuver data |
messenger | 2011.03.18.01.23.00 | Re-configure spacecraft systems for normal post-maneuver operations |
messenger | 2011.03.18.02.16.00 | End DSN burn coverage (back to critical coverage with 2 stations) |
messenger | 2011.03.18.06.47.00 | First orbital apoapse passage (start orbit #1) |
messenger | 2011.03.18.16.31.00 | End DSN critical coverage (back to 1 station continuous coverage) |
messenger | 2011.03.18.18.48.00 | Second orbital apoapse passage (start orbit #2) |
messenger | 2011.03.21.16.48.00 | Orbital commissioning period begins (Spacecraft checkout) |
messenger | 2011.03.23.12.00.00 | Start Gamma-Ray Spectrometer (GRS) cooler |
messenger | 2011.03.24.12.00.00 | Turn on all instruments and configure for operations (except imagers) |
messenger | 2011.03.28.19.45.00 | Continue orbital commissioning period (Instrument checkout ? Imagers turned on) |
messenger | 2011.04.04.20.15.00 | Mercury science observations begin |
messenger | 2012.03.18.12.00.00 | End of Data Collection |