Editing Mars Climate Orbiter (section)

== Scientific instruments ==
=== Pressure Modulated Infrared Radiometer (PMIRR) ===
[[File:Mars Observer - PMIRR Diagram.png|thumb|PMIRR diagram]]
The Pressure Modulated Infrared Radiometer (PMIRR) uses narrow-band radiometric channels and two pressure modulation cells to measure atmospheric and surface emissions in the thermal infrared and a visible channel to measure dust particles and condensates in the atmosphere and on the surface at varying longitudes and seasons.{{r|NSSDCPMIRR}} Its principal investigator was Daniel McCleese at JPL/CALTECH. Similar objectives were later achieved with ''Mars Climate Sounder'' on board ''[[Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter]]''. Its objectives:{{r|MOObjectives}}
* Map the three-dimensional and time-varying thermal structure of the atmosphere from the surface to 80&nbsp;km altitude.
* Map the atmospheric dust loading and its global, vertical and temporal variation.
* Map the seasonal and spatial variation of the vertical distribution of atmospheric water vapor to an altitude of at least 35&nbsp;km.
* Distinguish between atmospheric condensates and map their spatial and temporal variation.
* Map the seasonal and spatial variability of atmospheric pressure.
* Monitor the polar radiation balance.

=== Mars Color Imager (MARCI) ===
[[File:Mars Climate Orbiter - mco marci.jpg|thumb|MARCI camera]]
The [[Mars Color Imager]] (MARCI) is a two-camera (medium-angle/wide-angle) imaging system designed to obtain pictures of the Martian surface and atmosphere. Under proper conditions, resolutions up to {{cvt|1|km|ft}} are possible.{{r|MARCI|NSSDCMARCI}} The principal investigator on this project was Michael Malin at [[Malin Space Science Systems]] and the project was reincorporated on ''[[Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter]]''.

Its objectives:{{r|MARCI}}
* Observe Martian atmospheric processes at global scale and synoptically.
* Study details of the interaction of the atmosphere with the surface at a variety of scales in both space and time.
* Examine surface features characteristic of the evolution of the Martian climate over time.

<gallery mode=packed>
File:Mars Climate Orbiter - spacecraft diagram.png|Diagram of Mars Climate Orbiter
File:Mars Climate Orbiter 1.jpg|Mars Climate Orbiter during assembly
File:Mars Climate Orbiter during tests.jpg|Mars Climate Orbiter undergoing acoustic testing
File:Mars Climate orbiter - awaiting spin test - mco9811165.jpg|Mars Climate Orbiter awaiting a spin test in November 1998
</gallery>