Editing Mars Observer (section)

==== Communications ====
[[File:Mars Observer - HGA diagram.png|thumb|150px|alt=Proposed antenna configuration for combine X/Ka operation (1986)|Proposed X/Ka band antenna (1986)]]
:For telecommunications, the spacecraft included a two-axis [[gimbal]]ed 1.5 meter, parabolic [[high-gain antenna]], mounted to a 6 meter boom to communicate with the [[Deep Space Network]] across the [[X-band]] using two GFP NASA X-band transponders (NXTs) and two GFP command detector units (CDUs). An assembly of six low-gain antennas, and a single medium-gain antenna were also included, to be used during the cruise phase while the high-gain antenna remained stowed, and for contingency measures should communications through the high-gain antenna become restricted. When broadcasting to the Deep Space Network, a maximum of 10.66 kilobytes/second could be achieved while the spacecraft could receive commands at a maximum bandwidth of 62.5 bytes per second.{{r|Astronautix|MOSafetyReview|NSSDC|MOLaunchPressKit}}

:There was also a research payload, the Mars Observer Ka-Band Link Experiment (KABLE), designed to measure performance for possible future missions at Ka-band. It was very low power, intended only for measurements and not operational use.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://tda.jpl.nasa.gov/progress_report/42-88/88S.PDF |title=A K-a band (32 GHz) Beacon Link Experiment (KABLE) With Mars Observer |year=1986}} Proposal.</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://core.ac.uk/download/pdf/42785642.pdf |title=The Mars Observer Ka-Band Link Experiment |year=1994}} Final report.</ref>