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The information on Mars and Earth orbits used for this page is taken from the DE403 or DE405 planetary ephemerides developed by the Solar System Dynamics Group at JPL. For more information, see JPL Planetary and Lunar Ephemerides or HORIZONS.
The summary table gives distances and speeds of the spacecraft with respect to the Earth and the Sun. Separate tables give position and velocity vectors for Mars Pathfinder relative to the Earth and the Sun.
Times are listed as calendar dates and clock time in UTC (Greenwich Mean Time) and in Pacific Standard or Daylight Time (PST/PDT), the local time at JPL in Pasadena, CA. Note that UTC is 8 hours ahead of Pacific Standard Time and 7 hours ahead of Pacific Daylight Time. The elapsed time since launch and since landing on Mars are given as a count of integer days plus a clock time showing "hours:minutes:seconds". The Mars data table lists PST/PDT, UTC, and the corresponding local time on Mars at the Pathfinder landing site over the current two weeks.
The one-way light time (OWLT), defined as the amount of time it takes light (or a radio signal) to travel from Earth to the spacecraft, is listed as a clock time showing "hours:minutes:seconds" in the Summary table and in the Earth Vectors table. A graph of one-way light time (in seconds) over the course of the surface mission - July 1997 to July 1998 - can also be found in the Earth data section.
All position and velocity vectors are given in the J2000 inertial reference frame, also known as the Earth Mean Equator and Equinox of 2000 frame or EME2000. Distances are given in km and mi; speed is given in km/sec and mph. Geocentric right ascension and declination coordinates for the spacecraft as seen from Earth are given in degrees (in the Earth Vectors table).
Classical orbital elements for Pathfinder's cruise trajectory are given in both the Earth Mean Equator and Equinox of 2000 and Earth Mean Orbit and Equniox of 2000 coordinate frames. The standard set of 6 elements - semi-major axis, eccentricity, inclination, longitude of the ascending node, argument of perhelion, and time of perihelion passage - are given, along with alternate elements and related quantities such as orbital period and mean motion. Note that these apply only to the interplanetary cruise starting from Earth in December 1996 and ending at Mars on July 4, 1997. Since landing, the spacecraft is moving with Mars along its orbit about the Sun.
Plots showing Pathfinder's interplanetary cruise trajectory are also included. These figures show the positions of the spacecraft, Earth, and Mars over the 7 months of flight and at the times of the 4 trajectory correction maneuvers. The current "trajectory" of the lander on Mars is illustrated by a plot showing the positions of Earth and Mars over the current two weeks. Similarly, the nominal and extended missions on the surface are shown by a plot of the positions of Earth and Mars over the months from July 1997 to August 1998. Plots showing the pre-landing estimates of Pathfinder's landing site on Mars are also shown in this section.
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Launch: 1996 DEC 03 10:58:07 P.M. PST Mars Landing: 1997 JUL 04 09:58:50 A.M. PDT
1996 DEC 04 06:58:07.000 UTC 1997 JUL 04 16:58:50.000 UTC
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 18 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 234737132.835 km 224129344.147 km
1997 AUG 18 12:00:00.000 UTC 145858892.092 mi 139267517.788 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+257d 05:01:54.0 31.351 km/sec 24.492 km/sec
70129.827 mph 54787.893 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+44d 19:01:10.0 00:13:03.0
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 19 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 235597209.546 km 223934024.682 km
1997 AUG 19 12:00:00.000 UTC 146393318.984 mi 139146151.899 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+258d 05:01:54.0 31.503 km/sec 24.480 km/sec
70470.994 mph 54760.380 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+45d 19:01:10.0 00:13:05.9
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 20 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 236452831.840 km 223738910.098 km
1997 AUG 20 12:00:00.000 UTC 146924978.028 mi 139024913.318 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+259d 05:01:54.0 31.652 km/sec 24.470 km/sec
70803.383 mph 54737.773 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+46d 19:01:10.0 00:13:08.7
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 21 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 237304064.957 km 223544031.835 km
1997 AUG 21 12:00:00.000 UTC 147453909.765 mi 138903821.579 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+260d 05:01:54.0 31.798 km/sec 24.463 km/sec
71129.224 mph 54722.070 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+47d 19:01:10.0 00:13:11.6
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 22 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 238150959.162 km 223349420.232 km
1997 AUG 22 12:00:00.000 UTC 147980145.427 mi 138782895.535 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+261d 05:01:54.0 31.941 km/sec 24.460 km/sec
71450.803 mph 54715.077 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+48d 19:01:10.0 00:13:14.4
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 23 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 238993548.404 km 223155104.169 km
1997 AUG 23 12:00:00.000 UTC 148503706.109 mi 138662153.131 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+262d 05:01:54.0 32.084 km/sec 24.461 km/sec
71770.421 mph 54718.353 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+49d 19:01:10.0 00:13:17.2
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 24 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 239831851.419 km 222961110.755 km
1997 AUG 24 12:00:00.000 UTC 149024603.453 mi 138541611.212 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+263d 05:01:54.0 32.227 km/sec 24.468 km/sec
72090.383 mph 54733.161 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+50d 19:01:10.0 00:13:20.0
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 25 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 240665874.225 km 222767465.063 km
1997 AUG 25 12:00:00.000 UTC 149542841.198 mi 138421285.358 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+264d 05:01:54.0 32.371 km/sec 24.480 km/sec
72412.961 mph 54760.431 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+51d 19:01:10.0 00:13:22.8
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 26 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 241495612.983 km 222574189.930 km
1997 AUG 26 12:00:00.000 UTC 150058416.959 mi 138301189.758 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+265d 05:01:54.0 32.518 km/sec 24.498 km/sec
72740.363 mph 54800.729 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+52d 19:01:10.0 00:13:25.5
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 27 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 242321056.571 km 222381305.816 km
1997 AUG 27 12:00:00.000 UTC 150571323.825 mi 138181337.126 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+266d 05:01:54.0 32.667 km/sec 24.522 km/sec
73074.672 mph 54854.240 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+53d 19:01:10.0 00:13:28.3
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 28 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 243142188.639 km 222188830.732 km
1997 AUG 28 12:00:00.000 UTC 151081551.638 mi 138061738.654 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+267d 05:01:54.0 32.821 km/sec 24.552 km/sec
73417.785 mph 54920.764 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+54d 19:01:10.0 00:13:31.0
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 29 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 243958989.174 km 221996780.243 km
1997 AUG 29 12:00:00.000 UTC 151589087.960 mi 137942404.013 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+268d 05:01:54.0 32.979 km/sec 24.587 km/sec
73771.342 mph 54999.717 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+55d 19:01:10.0 00:13:33.8
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 30 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 244771435.711 km 221805167.541 km
1997 AUG 30 12:00:00.000 UTC 152093918.833 mi 137823341.399 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+269d 05:01:54.0 33.142 km/sec 24.628 km/sec
74136.671 mph 55090.155 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+56d 19:01:10.0 00:13:36.5
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 AUG 31 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 245579504.361 km 221614003.578 km
1997 AUG 31 12:00:00.000 UTC 152596029.414 mi 137704557.620 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+270d 05:01:54.0 33.311 km/sec 24.672 km/sec
74514.736 mph 55190.800 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+57d 19:01:10.0 00:13:39.2
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN
1997 SEP 01 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 246383170.766 km 221423297.278 km
1997 SEP 01 12:00:00.000 UTC 153095404.566 mi 137586058.219 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+271d 05:01:54.0 33.486 km/sec 24.721 km/sec
74906.100 mph 55300.077 mph
TIME FROM LANDING ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+58d 19:01:10.0 00:13:41.8
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Data in the table are given for the following dates:
Launch: 1996 DEC 03 10:58:07 P.M. PST Mars Atmospheric Entry: 1997 JUL 04 09:51:49 A.M. PDT
1996 DEC 04 06:58:07.000 UTC 1997 JUL 04 16:51:49.000 UTC
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN DISTANCE TO MARS
1996 DEC 04 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 76352.322 km 147452981.338 km 212619106.237 km
1996 DEC 04 12:00:00.000 UTC 47443.133 mi 91623034.813 mi 132115387.535 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY AREOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+0d 05:01:53.0 4.518 km/sec 34.693 km/sec 29.400 km/sec
10106.885 mph 77606.955 mph 65764.961 mph
TIME TO MARS ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
-212d 04:51:50.0 00:00:00.3
DISTANCE TRAVELED SINCE INJECTION DISTANCE TO MARS ARRIVAL
480680.3196 km 496938203.6967 km
298680.9032 mi 308783083.9813 mi
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN DISTANCE TO MARS
1997 JAN 01 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 7706959.630 km 151896995.678 km 165936793.195 km
1997 JAN 01 12:00:00.000 UTC 4788882.694 mi 94384417.302 mi 103108343.023 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY AREOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+28d 05:01:53.0 3.058 km/sec 32.583 km/sec 23.180 km/sec
6841.599 mph 72886.028 mph 51852.776 mph
TIME TO MARS ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
-184d 04:51:50.0 00:00:25.7
DISTANCE TRAVELED SINCE INJECTION DISTANCE TO MARS ARRIVAL
80672714.3509 km 416746169.6654 km
50127700.6781 mi 258954064.2064 mi
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN DISTANCE TO MARS
1997 FEB 01 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 17267194.751 km 164374506.532 km 118832961.091 km
1997 FEB 01 12:00:00.000 UTC 10729337.389 mi 102137583.097 mi 73839378.710 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY AREOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+59d 05:01:53.0 4.769 km/sec 30.462 km/sec 17.536 km/sec
10667.417 mph 68141.818 mph 39226.499 mph
TIME TO MARS ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
-153d 04:51:50.0 00:00:57.6
DISTANCE TRAVELED SINCE INJECTION DISTANCE TO MARS ARRIVAL
165278197.6703 km 332140686.3460 km
102699110.6980 mi 206382654.1865 mi
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN DISTANCE TO MARS
1997 MAR 01 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 32784350.534 km 179121650.703 km 83820111.780 km
1997 MAR 01 12:00:00.000 UTC 20371250.978 mi 111301033.653 mi 52083402.790 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY AREOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+87d 05:01:53.0 8.349 km/sec 28.195 km/sec 13.217 km/sec
18677.205 mph 63070.270 mph 29564.601 mph
TIME TO MARS ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
-125d 04:51:50.0 00:01:49.4
DISTANCE TRAVELED SINCE INJECTION DISTANCE TO MARS ARRIVAL
236238679.5560 km 261180204.4603 km
146791909.9122 mi 162289854.9723 mi
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN DISTANCE TO MARS
1997 APR 01 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 60956244.555 km 195985854.012 km 54025510.962 km
1997 APR 01 12:00:00.000 UTC 37876454.354 mi 121779963.769 mi 33569896.158 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY AREOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+118d 05:01:53.0 13.055 km/sec 25.835 km/sec 9.555 km/sec
29202.668 mph 57791.293 mph 21373.291 mph
TIME TO MARS ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
-94d 04:51:50.0 00:03:23.3
DISTANCE TRAVELED SINCE INJECTION DISTANCE TO MARS ARRIVAL
308524480.6725 km 188894403.3438 km
191708224.3166 mi 117373540.5679 mi
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN DISTANCE TO MARS
1997 MAY 01 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 97572203.239 km 210771423.328 km 32669314.410 km
1997 MAY 01 12:00:00.000 UTC 60628556.256 mi 130967290.603 mi 20299770.845 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY AREOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+148d 05:01:53.0 17.671 km/sec 23.926 km/sec 7.131 km/sec
39528.219 mph 53520.401 mph 15951.110 mph
TIME TO MARS ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
-64d 04:51:50.0 00:05:25.5
DISTANCE TRAVELED SINCE INJECTION DISTANCE TO MARS ARRIVAL
372924187.1859 km 124494696.8304 km
231724346.7173 mi 77357418.1672 mi
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN DISTANCE TO MARS
1997 JUN 01 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 141636041.017 km 223251712.327 km 15680215.227 km
1997 JUN 01 12:00:00.000 UTC 88008555.671 mi 138722182.658 mi 9743234.030 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY AREOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+179d 05:01:53.0 22.254 km/sec 22.406 km/sec 5.744 km/sec
49781.247 mph 50121.220 mph 12849.086 mph
TIME TO MARS ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
-33d 04:51:50.0 00:07:52.4
DISTANCE TRAVELED SINCE INJECTION DISTANCE TO MARS ARRIVAL
434867397.6680 km 62551486.3483 km
270214073.2509 mi 38867691.6336 mi
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN DISTANCE TO MARS
1997 JUL 01 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 186727081.234 km 232033124.590 km 1484906.503 km
1997 JUL 01 12:00:00.000 UTC 116026829.089 mi 144178699.265 mi 922678.124 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY AREOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+209d 05:01:54.0 26.477 km/sec 21.377 km/sec 5.341 km/sec
59228.350 mph 47819.549 mph 11948.158 mph
TIME TO MARS ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
-3d 04:51:49.0 00:10:22.9
DISTANCE TRAVELED SINCE INJECTION DISTANCE TO MARS ARRIVAL
491518873.0642 km 5900010.9521 km
305415668.0464 mi 3666096.8381 mi
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN DISTANCE TO MARS
1997 JUL 02 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 188232004.283 km 232266459.178 km 1023402.569 km
1997 JUL 02 12:00:00.000 UTC 116961944.918 mi 144323686.656 mi 635912.874 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY AREOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+210d 05:01:54.0 26.620 km/sec 21.350 km/sec 5.342 km/sec
59546.257 mph 47757.672 mph 11950.036 mph
TIME TO MARS ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
-2d 04:51:49.0 00:10:27.9
DISTANCE TRAVELED SINCE INJECTION DISTANCE TO MARS ARRIVAL
493364673.5920 km 4054210.4243 km
306562595.3206 mi 2519169.5639 mi
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN DISTANCE TO MARS
1997 JUL 03 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 189736059.585 km 232496151.556 km 561674.233 km
1997 JUL 03 12:00:00.000 UTC 117896521.555 mi 144466410.883 mi 349008.188 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY AREOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+211d 05:01:54.0 26.764 km/sec 21.321 km/sec 5.348 km/sec
59870.434 mph 47693.793 mph 11962.215 mph
TIME TO MARS ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
-1d 04:51:49.0 00:10:32.9
DISTANCE TRAVELED SINCE INJECTION DISTANCE TO MARS ARRIVAL
495208059.9743 km 2210824.0420 km
307708022.5143 mi 1373742.3702 mi
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DATE AND TIME DISTANCE TO EARTH DISTANCE TO SUN DISTANCE TO MARS
1997 JUL 04 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 191240387.593 km 232723380.808 km 98391.283 km
1997 JUL 04 12:00:00.000 UTC 118831267.642 mi 144607604.594 mi 61137.509 mi
TIME FROM LAUNCH GEOCENTRIC VELOCITY HELIOCENTRIC VELOCITY AREOCENTRIC VELOCITY
+212d 05:01:54.0 26.956 km/sec 21.271 km/sec 5.414 km/sec
60299.523 mph 47582.279 mph 12110.576 mph
TIME TO MARS ONE-WAY LIGHT TIME
+0d 04:51:49.0 00:10:37.9
DISTANCE TRAVELED SINCE INJECTION DISTANCE TO MARS ARRIVAL
497048598.2322 km 370285.7841 km
308851679.9655 mi 230084.9190 mi
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Note that the right ascension and declination given in this table simply reflects the position of Mars as seen from Earth and does not take into account the daily rotation of both planets. Values are listed regardless of whether the spacecraft is on the other side of Mars as seen from Earth at each time and do not imply that the spacecraft would actually be visible at that time.
Launch: 1996 DEC 03 10:58:07 P.M. PST Mars Landing: 1997 JUL 04 09:58:50 A.M. PDT
1996 DEC 04 06:58:07.000 UTC 1997 JUL 04 16:58:50.000 UTC
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1997 AUG 18 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +257d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +44d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -197748397.939 Y = -114964187.299 Z = -52728818.333 km Distance = 234737132.835 km
X = -122875157.790 Y = -71435434.126 Z = -32764168.713 mi Distance = 145858892.092 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 7.407 Y = -27.675 Z = -12.733 km/sec Speed = 31.351 km/sec
X = 16568.910 Y = -61906.127 Z = -28483.244 mph Speed = 70129.827 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -149.828 deg
Declination = -12.981 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:03.0
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1997 AUG 19 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +258d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +45d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -197079108.332 Y = -117340013.442 Z = -53825565.027 km Distance = 235597209.546 km
X = -122459280.510 Y = -72911704.049 Z = -33445655.514 mi Distance = 146393318.984 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 7.865 Y = -27.721 Z = -12.734 km/sec Speed = 31.503 km/sec
X = 17593.658 Y = -62009.626 Z = -28485.618 mph Speed = 70470.994 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -149.231 deg
Declination = -13.207 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:05.9
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1997 AUG 20 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +259d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +46d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -196367708.955 Y = -119720529.708 Z = -54924123.400 km Distance = 236452831.840 km
X = -122017237.430 Y = -74390888.280 Z = -34128268.040 mi Distance = 146924978.028 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 8.329 Y = -27.756 Z = -12.732 km/sec Speed = 31.652 km/sec
X = 18631.077 Y = -62087.904 Z = -28479.716 mph Speed = 70803.383 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -148.630 deg
Declination = -13.432 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:08.7
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1997 AUG 21 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +260d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +47d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -195613977.097 Y = -122105184.539 Z = -56024236.878 km Distance = 237304064.957 km
X = -121548890.167 Y = -75872644.096 Z = -34811846.863 mi Distance = 147453909.765 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 8.799 Y = -27.780 Z = -12.726 km/sec Speed = 31.798 km/sec
X = 19682.820 Y = -62141.764 Z = -28466.724 mph Speed = 71129.224 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -148.027 deg
Declination = -13.656 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:11.6
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1997 AUG 22 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +261d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +48d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -194817680.798 Y = -124493418.534 Z = -57125645.202 km Distance = 238150959.162 km
X = -121054094.586 Y = -77356623.900 Z = -35496230.267 mi Distance = 147980145.427 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 9.276 Y = -27.793 Z = -12.717 km/sec Speed = 31.941 km/sec
X = 20750.293 Y = -62172.073 Z = -28447.774 mph Speed = 71450.803 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -147.420 deg
Declination = -13.879 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:14.4
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1997 AUG 23 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +262d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +49d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -193978581.719 Y = -126884658.009 Z = -58228082.356 km Distance = 238993548.404 km
X = -120532702.591 Y = -78842471.224 Z = -36181252.955 mi Distance = 148503706.109 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 9.761 Y = -27.797 Z = -12.707 km/sec Speed = 32.084 km/sec
X = 21834.553 Y = -62179.785 Z = -28423.934 mph Speed = 71770.421 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -146.811 deg
Declination = -14.101 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:17.2
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1997 AUG 24 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +263d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +50d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -193096439.831 Y = -129278310.856 Z = -59331275.242 km Distance = 239831851.419 km
X = -119984565.035 Y = -80329818.147 Z = -36866745.234 mi Distance = 149024603.453 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 10.253 Y = -27.791 Z = -12.694 km/sec Speed = 32.227 km/sec
X = 22936.258 Y = -62165.967 Z = -28396.195 mph Speed = 72090.383 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -146.198 deg
Declination = -14.323 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:20.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 25 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +264d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +51d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -192171018.439 Y = -131673764.791 Z = -60434943.156 km Distance = 240665874.225 km
X = -119409534.841 Y = -81818284.215 Z = -37552532.681 mi Distance = 149542841.198 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 10.754 Y = -27.775 Z = -12.680 km/sec Speed = 32.371 km/sec
X = 24055.660 Y = -62131.817 Z = -28365.462 mph Speed = 72412.961 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -145.581 deg
Declination = -14.544 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:22.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 26 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +265d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +52d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -191202088.547 Y = -134070387.410 Z = -61538797.885 km Distance = 241495612.983 km
X = -118807469.718 Y = -83307476.469 Z = -38238436.210 mi Distance = 150058416.959 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 11.262 Y = -27.752 Z = -12.666 km/sec Speed = 32.518 km/sec
X = 25192.616 Y = -62078.658 Z = -28332.536 mph Speed = 72740.363 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -144.962 deg
Declination = -14.763 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:25.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 27 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +266d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +53d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -190189432.174 Y = -136467527.293 Z = -62642544.180 km Distance = 242321056.571 km
X = -118178234.221 Y = -84796990.136 Z = -38924272.362 mi Distance = 150571323.825 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 11.778 Y = -27.720 Z = -12.650 km/sec Speed = 32.667 km/sec
X = 26346.615 Y = -62007.911 Z = -28298.101 mph Speed = 73074.672 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -144.339 deg
Declination = -14.982 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:28.3
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 28 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +267d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +54d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -189132844.700 Y = -138864515.567 Z = -63745880.403 km Distance = 243142188.639 km
X = -117521701.202 Y = -86286409.598 Z = -39609853.706 mi Distance = 151081551.638 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 12.301 Y = -27.681 Z = -12.635 km/sec Speed = 32.821 km/sec
X = 27516.803 Y = -61921.050 Z = -28262.699 mph Speed = 73417.785 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -143.713 deg
Declination = -15.199 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:31.0
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 29 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +268d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +55d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -188032136.470 Y = -141260667.570 Z = -64848499.220 km Distance = 243958989.174 km
X = -116837752.817 Y = -87775309.424 Z = -40294989.275 mi Distance = 151589087.960 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 12.831 Y = -27.636 Z = -12.618 km/sec Speed = 32.979 km/sec
X = 28702.013 Y = -61819.558 Z = -28226.717 mph Speed = 73771.342 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -143.084 deg
Declination = -15.416 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:33.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 30 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +269d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +56d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -186887133.945 Y = -143655284.481 Z = -65950088.297 km Distance = 244771435.711 km
X = -116126281.233 Y = -89263255.389 Z = -40979484.993 mi Distance = 152093918.833 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 13.367 Y = -27.585 Z = -12.602 km/sec Speed = 33.142 km/sec
X = 29900.793 Y = -61704.874 Z = -28190.373 mph Speed = 74136.671 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -142.451 deg
Declination = -15.631 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:36.5
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 31 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +270d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +57d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -185697680.577 Y = -146047654.915 Z = -67050330.978 km Distance = 245579504.361 km
X = -115387189.176 Y = -90749805.458 Z = -41663144.099 mi Distance = 152596029.414 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 13.908 Y = -27.528 Z = -12.586 km/sec Speed = 33.311 km/sec
X = 31111.435 Y = -61578.353 Z = -28153.703 mph Speed = 74514.736 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -141.816 deg
Declination = -15.845 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:39.2
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 SEP 01 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +271d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +58d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Earth to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -184463637.524 Y = -148437056.520 Z = -68148906.961 km Distance = 246383170.766 km
X = -114620390.372 Y = -92234510.782 Z = -42345767.568 mi Distance = 153095404.566 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Earth in J2000 frame:
X = 14.454 Y = -27.467 Z = -12.569 km/sec Speed = 33.486 km/sec
X = 32332.011 Y = -61441.221 Z = -28116.565 mph Speed = 74906.100 mph
Geocentric Right Ascension = -141.177 deg
Declination = -16.057 deg
One-way light time: 00:13:41.8
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This graph shows the one-way light time for Mars Pathfinder during its nominal and (potential) extended surface missions, starting in July of 1997 and ending in July of 1998. Notice that the value is increasing over the duration of the mission, indicating that Earth and Mars are moving farther apart as they travel along their respective orbits. The curve flattens out near the end of this period; the orbital motions of the 2 planets would begin to move them closer together after this time. If the curve were extended, light time values would begin to decrease. (See the trajectory plot for MPF surface mission for the locations of Earth and Mars on their orbits during this period.)
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PST/PDT = local time in Pasadena, CA (on Earth)
UTC = Universal Coordinated Time, roughly local time
in Greenwich, England (on Earth)
1 SOL = 1 Martian day, roughly 24 hours 38 minutes
(SOL = SOLar day)
SOLs are measured starting at the Mars local midnight immediately
preceding Pathfinder landing on July 4, 1997. The integer following
the term "SOL" in the Mars Local Solar Time column is a count
of the Martian days that have elapsed since landing.
LTST = Local True Solar Time on Mars, a measure of the position of
the Sun in the sky over the Pathfinder landing site. This
table assumes a landing site at 19.28 degrees N latitude,
326.48 degrees E longitude. This time is given in Mars hours,
Mars minutes, and Mars seconds. In other words, 1 Martian day
has 24 Martian hours, 1 Martian hour has 60 Martian minutes,
1 Martian minute has 60 Martian seconds. Since a Mars day is
longer than 24 Earth hours, Mars hours, minutes, and seconds
are correspondlingly longer than their Earth counterparts.
On average:
1 Mars second = 1.0275 Earth seconds
1 Mars minute = 1 Earth minute, 1.65 Earth seconds
1 Mars hour = 1 Earth hour, 1 Earth minute, 39 Earth seconds
Longitude of the Sun = A measure of Mars' position along its orbit,
(LSUN) given in degrees. This is used to determine the
seasons of the year for Mars. The Martian year
is 687 days long. Here's a summary of the seasons
over the duration of Pathfinder's mission:
Date Event Season LSUN
-------------------------------------------------------------
August 26, 1996 Vernal Equinox Northern Spring 0
Southern Fall
March 13, 1997 Summer Solstice Northerm Summer 90
Southern Winter
September 12, 1997 Autumnal Equinox Northern Fall 180
Southern Spring
February 6, 1998 Winter Solstice Northern Winter 270
Southern Summer
July 14, 1998 Vernal Equinox Northern Spring 0 (360)
Southern Fall
January 29, 1999 Summer Solstice Northern Summer 90
Southern Winter
-------------------------------------------------------------
Pathfinder landed in the northern hemisphere so it is now
late summer at the landing site.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Pacific Standard/Daylight Time Universal Coordinated Time Mars Local Solar Time Mars Longitude of Sun
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 18 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 18 12:00:00.000 SOL 44 17:22:37 LTST 167.283 deg
1997 AUG 18 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 18 16:00:00.000 SOL 44 21:16:13 LTST 167.365 deg
1997 AUG 18 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 18 20:00:00.000 SOL 45 01:09:49 LTST 167.448 deg
1997 AUG 18 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 19 00:00:00.000 SOL 45 05:03:25 LTST 167.530 deg
1997 AUG 18 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 19 04:00:00.000 SOL 45 08:57:01 LTST 167.612 deg
1997 AUG 19 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 19 08:00:00.000 SOL 45 12:50:37 LTST 167.695 deg
1997 AUG 19 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 19 12:00:00.000 SOL 45 16:44:13 LTST 167.777 deg
1997 AUG 19 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 19 16:00:00.000 SOL 45 20:37:49 LTST 167.859 deg
1997 AUG 19 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 19 20:00:00.000 SOL 46 00:31:25 LTST 167.942 deg
1997 AUG 19 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 20 00:00:00.000 SOL 46 04:25:01 LTST 168.024 deg
1997 AUG 19 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 20 04:00:00.000 SOL 46 08:18:36 LTST 168.106 deg
1997 AUG 20 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 20 08:00:00.000 SOL 46 12:12:12 LTST 168.189 deg
1997 AUG 20 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 20 12:00:00.000 SOL 46 16:05:48 LTST 168.271 deg
1997 AUG 20 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 20 16:00:00.000 SOL 46 19:59:24 LTST 168.354 deg
1997 AUG 20 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 20 20:00:00.000 SOL 46 23:53:00 LTST 168.436 deg
1997 AUG 20 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 21 00:00:00.000 SOL 47 03:46:36 LTST 168.519 deg
1997 AUG 20 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 21 04:00:00.000 SOL 47 07:40:12 LTST 168.601 deg
1997 AUG 21 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 21 08:00:00.000 SOL 47 11:33:48 LTST 168.683 deg
1997 AUG 21 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 21 12:00:00.000 SOL 47 15:27:24 LTST 168.766 deg
1997 AUG 21 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 21 16:00:00.000 SOL 47 19:20:59 LTST 168.848 deg
1997 AUG 21 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 21 20:00:00.000 SOL 47 23:14:35 LTST 168.931 deg
1997 AUG 21 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 22 00:00:00.000 SOL 48 03:08:11 LTST 169.014 deg
1997 AUG 21 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 22 04:00:00.000 SOL 48 07:01:47 LTST 169.096 deg
1997 AUG 22 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 22 08:00:00.000 SOL 48 10:55:23 LTST 169.179 deg
1997 AUG 22 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 22 12:00:00.000 SOL 48 14:48:59 LTST 169.261 deg
1997 AUG 22 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 22 16:00:00.000 SOL 48 18:42:35 LTST 169.344 deg
1997 AUG 22 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 22 20:00:00.000 SOL 48 22:36:11 LTST 169.426 deg
1997 AUG 22 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 23 00:00:00.000 SOL 49 02:29:46 LTST 169.509 deg
1997 AUG 22 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 23 04:00:00.000 SOL 49 06:23:22 LTST 169.592 deg
1997 AUG 23 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 23 08:00:00.000 SOL 49 10:16:58 LTST 169.674 deg
1997 AUG 23 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 23 12:00:00.000 SOL 49 14:10:34 LTST 169.757 deg
1997 AUG 23 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 23 16:00:00.000 SOL 49 18:04:10 LTST 169.840 deg
1997 AUG 23 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 23 20:00:00.000 SOL 49 21:57:46 LTST 169.922 deg
1997 AUG 23 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 24 00:00:00.000 SOL 50 01:51:21 LTST 170.005 deg
1997 AUG 23 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 24 04:00:00.000 SOL 50 05:44:57 LTST 170.088 deg
1997 AUG 24 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 24 08:00:00.000 SOL 50 09:38:33 LTST 170.170 deg
1997 AUG 24 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 24 12:00:00.000 SOL 50 13:32:09 LTST 170.253 deg
1997 AUG 24 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 24 16:00:00.000 SOL 50 17:25:45 LTST 170.336 deg
1997 AUG 24 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 24 20:00:00.000 SOL 50 21:19:21 LTST 170.419 deg
1997 AUG 24 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 25 00:00:00.000 SOL 51 01:12:56 LTST 170.502 deg
1997 AUG 24 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 25 04:00:00.000 SOL 51 05:06:32 LTST 170.584 deg
1997 AUG 25 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 25 08:00:00.000 SOL 51 09:00:08 LTST 170.667 deg
1997 AUG 25 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 25 12:00:00.000 SOL 51 12:53:44 LTST 170.750 deg
1997 AUG 25 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 25 16:00:00.000 SOL 51 16:47:20 LTST 170.833 deg
1997 AUG 25 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 25 20:00:00.000 SOL 51 20:40:55 LTST 170.916 deg
1997 AUG 25 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 26 00:00:00.000 SOL 52 00:34:31 LTST 170.999 deg
1997 AUG 25 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 26 04:00:00.000 SOL 52 04:28:07 LTST 171.082 deg
1997 AUG 26 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 26 08:00:00.000 SOL 52 08:21:43 LTST 171.165 deg
1997 AUG 26 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 26 12:00:00.000 SOL 52 12:15:18 LTST 171.247 deg
1997 AUG 26 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 26 16:00:00.000 SOL 52 16:08:54 LTST 171.330 deg
1997 AUG 26 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 26 20:00:00.000 SOL 52 20:02:30 LTST 171.413 deg
1997 AUG 26 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 27 00:00:00.000 SOL 52 23:56:06 LTST 171.496 deg
1997 AUG 26 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 27 04:00:00.000 SOL 53 03:49:41 LTST 171.579 deg
1997 AUG 27 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 27 08:00:00.000 SOL 53 07:43:17 LTST 171.662 deg
1997 AUG 27 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 27 12:00:00.000 SOL 53 11:36:53 LTST 171.745 deg
1997 AUG 27 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 27 16:00:00.000 SOL 53 15:30:29 LTST 171.828 deg
1997 AUG 27 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 27 20:00:00.000 SOL 53 19:24:04 LTST 171.912 deg
1997 AUG 27 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 28 00:00:00.000 SOL 53 23:17:40 LTST 171.995 deg
1997 AUG 27 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 28 04:00:00.000 SOL 54 03:11:16 LTST 172.078 deg
1997 AUG 28 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 28 08:00:00.000 SOL 54 07:04:52 LTST 172.161 deg
1997 AUG 28 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 28 12:00:00.000 SOL 54 10:58:27 LTST 172.244 deg
1997 AUG 28 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 28 16:00:00.000 SOL 54 14:52:03 LTST 172.327 deg
1997 AUG 28 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 28 20:00:00.000 SOL 54 18:45:39 LTST 172.410 deg
1997 AUG 28 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 29 00:00:00.000 SOL 54 22:39:15 LTST 172.494 deg
1997 AUG 28 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 29 04:00:00.000 SOL 55 02:32:50 LTST 172.577 deg
1997 AUG 29 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 29 08:00:00.000 SOL 55 06:26:26 LTST 172.660 deg
1997 AUG 29 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 29 12:00:00.000 SOL 55 10:20:02 LTST 172.743 deg
1997 AUG 29 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 29 16:00:00.000 SOL 55 14:13:37 LTST 172.826 deg
1997 AUG 29 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 29 20:00:00.000 SOL 55 18:07:13 LTST 172.910 deg
1997 AUG 29 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 30 00:00:00.000 SOL 55 22:00:49 LTST 172.993 deg
1997 AUG 29 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 30 04:00:00.000 SOL 56 01:54:24 LTST 173.076 deg
1997 AUG 30 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 30 08:00:00.000 SOL 56 05:48:00 LTST 173.160 deg
1997 AUG 30 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 30 12:00:00.000 SOL 56 09:41:36 LTST 173.243 deg
1997 AUG 30 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 30 16:00:00.000 SOL 56 13:35:11 LTST 173.326 deg
1997 AUG 30 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 30 20:00:00.000 SOL 56 17:28:47 LTST 173.410 deg
1997 AUG 30 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 31 00:00:00.000 SOL 56 21:22:23 LTST 173.493 deg
1997 AUG 30 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 31 04:00:00.000 SOL 57 01:15:58 LTST 173.577 deg
1997 AUG 31 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 31 08:00:00.000 SOL 57 05:09:34 LTST 173.660 deg
1997 AUG 31 05:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 31 12:00:00.000 SOL 57 09:03:10 LTST 173.743 deg
1997 AUG 31 09:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 AUG 31 16:00:00.000 SOL 57 12:56:45 LTST 173.827 deg
1997 AUG 31 01:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 AUG 31 20:00:00.000 SOL 57 16:50:21 LTST 173.910 deg
1997 AUG 31 05:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 SEP 01 00:00:00.000 SOL 57 20:43:57 LTST 173.994 deg
1997 AUG 31 09:00:00 P.M. PDT 1997 SEP 01 04:00:00.000 SOL 58 00:37:32 LTST 174.077 deg
1997 SEP 01 01:00:00 A.M. PDT 1997 SEP 01 08:00:00.000 SOL 58 04:31:08 LTST 174.161 deg
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE:To my knowledge, there is no generally accepted calendar scheme for Mars, i.e. no division of the year into months or each month into some number of "SOLs". Since there is no consensus, I have chosen only to display the longitude of the Sun as an indication of the season of the year. Many of you have sent me information on proposed calendar schemes for Mars. While I enjoy reading these, I simply don't have time to add all of these to this web page or to try to make up a system of my own. So you're free to continue dreaming up your own ideal system until there are enough real Mars missions that the scientific and technical community adopts one :-) And while you're at it, how about tackling Jupiter, Saturn, ...
FYI, I've added links to these other sites on Mars time and calendar system:
The calandar begins on the Martian vernal equinox. The Martian year 0 began on the vernal equinox prior to the landing of Viking 1. The current Martian year is 11. There are 24 Martian months, named for the ecliptic constellations, 12 with Latin names and 12 with Hindi names. The Martian vernal equinox occurs when the Sun is in Sagittarius, and that is the name of the first month. The Pathfinder landing occurred on 18 Taurus, and the current date (17 July) is 3 Vrisha. Generally, the Martian months contain 28 sols which, being exactly four weeks, allows each month to begin on Dies Solis, the Martian analog of our Sunday. The 6th, 12, and 18th months have only 27 sols, and the 24th month can have either 27 or 28 sols as needed for intercalation (668.6 sols to a Martian year). The last week of these shortened months end on Dies Veneris, the Martian analog of our Friday, and since the next month must begin on Dies Solis, Dies Saturni, the Martian Saturday, is skipped over. Not to worry... the first and last sol of each month are always holisols, so we always get a two-sol weekend. In the case of a six-sol week, we have just a four-sol work week. It's been pointed out to me that my system guarantees the Martian equivalent of Friday the 13th every month.You can get more details on this at his Martian calendar web site.
Martian Standard Time by T Gangale, JBIS, June 1986
Actually it is mainly a calendar that he discusses.
The Lost Calendars of Mars by T Gangale, Spaceflight, July 1988
Discusses calendars that have been suggested including the next three.
(this is the same Tom Gangale as listed the previous item)
Mars Clock and Calendar by I Levitt, Sky & Telescope, May 1954
Calendar scheme is proposed, mechanical clock with dials for Martian and
Greenwitch time, Martian and Gregorian date is illustrated. We'd need a
computer to do something like that today!
The Greening of Mars by Lovelock and Allaby, 1984
Exploring Mars by R Richardson, 1954
(NOTE: I haven't had time to check out these references - no guarantees
on their quality.)
Mars Months
Fifty-five sols hath September,
April, June, and November;
Fifty-six have all the rest,
Including February, subject to test:
Fifty-six sols comprise the norm,
But each fifth rev, three more's the form.
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Launch: 1996 DEC 03 10:58:07 P.M. PST Mars Landing: 1997 JUL 04 09:58:50 A.M. PDT
1996 DEC 04 06:58:07.000 UTC 1997 JUL 04 16:58:50.000 UTC
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 18 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +257d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +44d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -72795175.189 Y = -193417763.239 Z = -86743266.256 km Distance = 224129344.147 km
X = -45232824.796 Y = -120184226.144 Z = -53899766.772 mi Distance = 139267517.788 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 23.738 Y = -5.232 Z = -3.002 km/sec Speed = 24.492 km/sec
X = 53100.396 Y = -11703.649 Z = -6714.593 mph Speed = 54787.893 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 19 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +258d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +45d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -70732660.623 Y = -193843515.218 Z = -86994423.612 km Distance = 223934024.682 km
X = -43951237.662 Y = -120448776.158 Z = -54055828.718 mi Distance = 139146151.899 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 23.784 Y = -5.024 Z = -2.892 km/sec Speed = 24.480 km/sec
X = 53203.001 Y = -11237.515 Z = -6469.793 mph Speed = 54760.380 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 20 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +259d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +46d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -68663847.717 Y = -194252195.357 Z = -87237953.367 km Distance = 223738910.098 km
X = -42665736.920 Y = -120702718.223 Z = -54207151.092 mi Distance = 139024913.318 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 23.831 Y = -4.810 Z = -2.782 km/sec Speed = 24.470 km/sec
X = 53308.161 Y = -10758.573 Z = -6222.293 mph Speed = 54737.773 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 21 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +260d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +47d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -66588910.706 Y = -194643733.111 Z = -87473814.945 km Distance = 223544031.835 km
X = -41376430.835 Y = -120946008.504 Z = -54353708.682 mi Distance = 138903821.579 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 23.880 Y = -4.590 Z = -2.670 km/sec Speed = 24.463 km/sec
X = 53417.206 Y = -10267.741 Z = -5973.322 mph Speed = 54722.070 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 22 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +261d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +48d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -64508026.548 Y = -195018058.144 Z = -87701967.063 km Distance = 223349420.232 km
X = -40083429.365 Y = -121178603.297 Z = -54495475.835 mi Distance = 138782895.535 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 23.931 Y = -4.366 Z = -2.559 km/sec Speed = 24.460 km/sec
X = 53531.260 Y = -9766.182 Z = -5724.121 mph Speed = 54715.077 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 23 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +262d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +49d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -62421374.696 Y = -195375100.121 Z = -87922367.750 km Distance = 223155104.169 km
X = -38786844.016 Y = -121400458.895 Z = -54632426.473 mi Distance = 138662153.131 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 23.984 Y = -4.137 Z = -2.448 km/sec Speed = 24.461 km/sec
X = 53651.210 Y = -9255.282 Z = -5475.910 mph Speed = 54718.353 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 24 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +263d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +50d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -60329136.845 Y = -195714788.521 Z = -88134974.391 km Distance = 222961110.755 km
X = -37486787.688 Y = -121611531.482 Z = -54764534.115 mi Distance = 138541611.212 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 24.041 Y = -3.906 Z = -2.338 km/sec Speed = 24.468 km/sec
X = 53777.683 Y = -8736.611 Z = -5229.858 mph Speed = 54733.161 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 25 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +264d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +51d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -58231496.651 Y = -196037052.499 Z = -88339743.807 km Distance = 222767465.063 km
X = -36183374.500 Y = -121811777.034 Z = -54891771.931 mi Distance = 138421285.358 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 24.100 Y = -3.671 Z = -2.229 km/sec Speed = 24.480 km/sec
X = 53911.029 Y = -8211.885 Z = -4987.052 mph Speed = 54760.431 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 26 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +265d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +52d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -56128639.446 Y = -196341820.783 Z = -88536632.355 km Distance = 222574189.930 km
X = -34876719.611 Y = -122001151.266 Z = -55014112.803 mi Distance = 138301189.758 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 24.163 Y = -3.435 Z = -2.123 km/sec Speed = 24.498 km/sec
X = 54051.314 Y = -7682.924 Z = -4748.476 mph Speed = 54800.729 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 27 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +266d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +53d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -54020751.938 Y = -196629021.610 Z = -88725596.065 km Distance = 222381305.816 km
X = -33566939.037 Y = -122179609.586 Z = -55131529.409 mi Distance = 138181337.126 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 24.229 Y = -3.197 Z = -2.018 km/sec Speed = 24.522 km/sec
X = 54198.313 Y = -7151.609 Z = -4514.977 mph Speed = 54854.240 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 28 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +267d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +54d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -51908021.915 Y = -196898582.720 Z = -88906590.788 km Distance = 222188830.732 km
X = -32254149.464 Y = -122347107.095 Z = -55243994.316 mi Distance = 138061738.654 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 24.297 Y = -2.959 Z = -1.917 km/sec Speed = 24.552 km/sec
X = 54351.519 Y = -6619.831 Z = -4287.255 mph Speed = 54920.764 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 29 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +268d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +55d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -49790637.959 Y = -197150431.387 Z = -89079572.372 km Distance = 221996780.243 km
X = -30938468.071 Y = -122503598.601 Z = -55351480.089 mi Distance = 137942404.013 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 24.368 Y = -2.722 Z = -1.818 km/sec Speed = 24.587 km/sec
X = 54510.150 Y = -6089.450 Z = -4065.836 mph Speed = 54999.717 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 30 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +269d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +56d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -47668789.173 Y = -197384494.499 Z = -89244496.851 km Distance = 221805167.541 km
X = -29620012.361 Y = -122649038.676 Z = -55453959.409 mi Distance = 137823341.399 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 24.441 Y = -2.487 Z = -1.722 km/sec Speed = 24.628 km/sec
X = 54673.174 Y = -5562.244 Z = -3851.066 mph Speed = 55090.155 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 AUG 31 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +270d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +57d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -45542664.928 Y = -197600698.686 Z = -89401320.639 km Distance = 221614003.578 km
X = -28298900.004 Y = -122783381.730 Z = -55551405.193 mi Distance = 137704557.620 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 24.515 Y = -2.253 Z = -1.629 km/sec Speed = 24.672 km/sec
X = 54839.329 Y = -5039.865 Z = -3643.097 mph Speed = 55190.800 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1997 SEP 01 12:00:00.000 UTC Time from launch: +271d 05:01:54.0 Time from landing: +58d 19:01:10.0
Position Vector from Sun to MPF in J2000 frame:
X = -43412454.639 Y = -197798970.491 Z = -89550000.741 km Distance = 221423297.278 km
X = -26975248.697 Y = -122906582.117 Z = -55643790.726 mi Distance = 137586058.219 mi
Velocity Vector for MPF relative to Sun in J2000 frame:
X = 24.590 Y = -2.022 Z = -1.539 km/sec Speed = 24.721 km/sec
X = 55007.155 Y = -4523.805 Z = -3441.890 mph Speed = 55300.077 mph
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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Note that these apply only to the interplanetary cruise starting from Earth in December 1996 and ending at Mars on July 4, 1997. Since landing, the spacecraft is moving with Mars along its orbit about the Sun.
===========================================================================
HELIOCENTRIC ORBIT - EARTH MEAN EQUATOR AND EQUINOX OF J2000 FRAME
===========================================================================
Epoch of Osculating Orbital Elements
1997 MAR 01 00:00:00.000 UTC JD 2450508.5000
1997 MAR 01 00:01:02.185 ET JD 2450508.5007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Semi-major axis 193216365.381 km
120059083.317 mi
1.29157162792 AU
Eccentricity .236386
Inclination 23.455 degrees
Longitude of Ascending Node .258 degrees
Argument of Perihelion 71.347 degrees
Time from Perihelion Passage 7566837.201 sec
Orbital Period 536.137 days
Mean Motion .77716384E-05 degrees/sec
True Anomaly at Epoch 85.152 degrees
Mean Anomaly at Epoch 58.807 degrees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
===========================================================================
HELIOCENTRIC ORBIT - EARTH MEAN ORBIT AND EQUINOX OF J2000 FRAME
===========================================================================
Epoch of Osculating Orbital Elements
1997 MAR 01 00:00:00.000 UTC JD 2450508.5000
1997 MAR 01 00:01:02.185 ET JD 2450508.5007
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Semi-major axis 193216365.381 km
120059083.317 mi
1.29157162792 AU
Eccentricity .236386
Inclination .104 degrees
Longitude of Ascending Node 81.221 degrees
Argument of Perihelion -9.638 degrees
Time from Perihelion Passage 7566837.201 sec
Orbital Period 536.137 days
Mean Motion .77716384E-05 degrees/sec
True Anomaly at Epoch 85.152 degrees
Mean Anomaly at Epoch 58.807 degrees
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Send comments or suggestions to:
Robin Vaughan (rvaughan@mpfnav2.jpl.nasa.gov)
To those of you who have recently sent questions via e-mail, I am working on responses. It may take me a while due to the large volume of e-mail I've received since our landing on July 4th. Please be patient since I do intend to reply to all of your messages eventually. But if you get tired of waiting, check out Mars Team Answers Your Questions and see if you can find your question there.
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