Mariner
From NewMars
The Mariner project created the Mariner series of space probes. These were the first space probes to return locally collected data on the atmospheres and surfaces of the planets Mercury, Venus, and Mars. Of the ten Mariner space probes originally constructed, three failed during launch:
Mariner 1
Mariner 3
Mariner 8
Fortunately, the Mariner project probes were launched in pairs, and the sister probes successfully completed their missions.
Four Mariner space probes were successfully sent to Mars:
Mariner 4
Mariner 6
Mariner 7
Mariner 9
Mariner 4 produced the first high resolution photographs of the Martian surface. Mariner 9 was the first space probe to orbit another planet, and provided the first up close observation of Martian dust storms.
Mariners 2 and 5 conducted flyby missions to the planet Venus, and Mariner 10 was the first successful mission to the planet Mercury. Two other Mariner probes to Venus were also proposed, Mariner R and Mariner A, but were never built.
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Space probes are automated space vehicles sent into outer space for the purpose of making scientific measurements and returning the results to earth. Many - but not all - space probes are capable of recording pictures of their target environs and transmitting those images.
Most of our detailed knowledge of Mars comes as a result of space probes that we have successfully sent there.
