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Mariner 9
The first spacecraft to orbit another planet.
Mission Overview
Beating the Soviet Mars 2 and 3 probes, Mariner 9 mapped 70% of the Martian surface and discovered the massive Olympus Mons volcano.
Learning from History
"It arrived during a massive dust storm that hid the entire planet except for the peaks of the giant volcanoes."
Mission Specs
| Year | 1971 |
|---|---|
| Country | USA |
| Type | Orbiter |
| Destination | Mars |
| Status | Success |
| Rocket | Liquid Propellant |