2001 Mars Odyssey payload suite - The long, arduous journey to launch

The 2001 Mars Odyssey spacecraft was successfully launched from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station (CCAFS) on April 7, 2001. The payload suite consists of a gamma-ray spectrometer, a thermal emission imaging system, a Martian radiation environment experiment, and a high energy neutron spectrometer. The payload development model was based on the "faster, better, cheaper" Mars 98 Project (an orbiter and lander for $96M). Development of the payloads and assembly, test, and launch operations (ATLO) had significant challenges due to the low-cost nature of the project. Prior to payload deliveries, NASA imposed Red Team payload reviews to mitigate risk. Final payload integration occurred just two months before launch. Post-launch checkout was successfully completed three months after launch. This paper discusses the payload objectives, designs, procurement costs/philosophy, development and test challenges, lessons learned, and reports on the in-flight checkout.