MarCO: Trailblazing Interplanetary Small Science

Launched May 5th, 2018, the MarCO spacecraft have demonstrated that small spacecraft (even CubeSats) can viably operate in the deep space environment. After successful reception of telemetry and achieving commandability, both spacecraft transitioned to nominal mode to begin checkout operations. Subsequent passes demonstrated 62.5 - 16000 bps one-way and two-way communications, ranging, Delta-DOR tracking, and multiple spacecraft per aperture operations with the DSN. All four antennas (UHF, low gain, medium gain, and high gain) performed well and were characterized in flight. The spacecraft successfully performed multiple trajectory correction maneuvers to achieve its flyby of Mars, and autonomously oriented itself for imaging, solar-radiation-pressure reduction, and charging.

On November 26, 2018, the MarCO spacecraft successfully flew by Mars while relaying entry-descent-and-landing telemetry for the InSight vehicle. Both spacecraft performed beyond expectations and were able to provide a real-time link for the so-called "seven minutes of terror". In addition, once InSight safely landed, it transmitted its first image of the Martian surface through MarCO. Over the following weeks, images of Mars and Phobos, performance and health information of the spacecraft, and historical data were all downlinked.

Many lessons have been derived from the MarCO mission and the operation of the first two CubeSats to leave Earth orbit. From planetary protection to low cost ops, MarCO is trailblazing a new generation of explorers.