Mariner 9
Mariner 9 was an unmanned spacecraft launched by NASA as part of the Mariner program to study the planet Mars. Here are detailed insights into this significant mission:
- Launch Date: Mariner 9 was launched on May 30, 1971, from Cape Canaveral using an Atlas-Centaur rocket.
- Mission Objective: The primary goal of Mariner 9 was to map 70% of the Martian surface, study its atmosphere, and examine its moons, Phobos and Deimos.
- Arrival at Mars: The spacecraft entered into orbit around Mars on November 14, 1971, becoming the first spacecraft to orbit another planet.
- Scientific Instruments: It carried an array of instruments including:
- Challenges and Discoveries:
- Upon arrival, a global dust storm obscured the surface of Mars, delaying detailed observations until January 1972 when the dust settled.
- It discovered the largest known canyon system in the solar system, Valles Marineris.
- Mariner 9 also found evidence of ancient riverbeds, suggesting water once flowed on Mars.
- The spacecraft observed volcanoes on Mars, including the colossal Olympus Mons.
- Operational Lifetime: Mariner 9 operated for almost a year, transmitting data back to Earth until October 27, 1972, when it lost contact due to issues with its battery.
- Legacy: The mission laid the groundwork for future Mars explorations by providing detailed maps and geological data, significantly advancing our understanding of Mars.
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