The Mars Observer mission will extend the exploration and characterization of Mars by providing new and systematic measurements of the atmosphere, surface, and interior of the planet. These measurements will be made from a low-altitude polar orbiter over a period of 1 Martian year, permitting repetitive observations of the surface and of the seasonal variations of the atmosphere. The mission will be conducted in a manner that will provide new and valuable scientific data using a distributed data system that minimizes operational complexity and cost. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1992