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Mariner 10, launched on November 3, 1973, studied Mercury and Venus. After passing Venus in February, 1974, it did an extremely close fly-by of Mercury on March 29, 1974, passing within 437 miles (703 km) of the surface. It made two more flyby passes in September, 1974 and March, 1975. The third flyby was even closer than the first one, coming within 203 miles (327 km) of Mercury.
Unfortunately, the limited solar orbit of the probe meant that each of the three passes observed the same hemisphere of Mercury illuminated by the Sun. Only about 45% of the surface was photographically mapped.
The geography of Mercury will be extensively detailed by the new MESSENGER spacecraft, which has already flown by Mercury three times since its launch in 2004, and will begin orbiting the planet on March 18, 2011.
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Which planets did the the mariner spacecraft explore?
The mariner spacecraft explored Mercury, Mars, and Venus. The first successful space probe and first spacecraft visit to a planet was Mariner 2.
Did a space probe ever visit Mercury?
No probe has landed on Mercury, however Mariner 10 and Messenger have both surveyed Mercury. Messenger is due to go into orbit around Mercury in 2011 to survey and map the entire planet.
What spaceprobes have visited Mercury?
The only probe to visit Mercury was Mariner 10 in 1974. MESSENGER is on its way to Mercury but will not arrive until 2011.
What was the first probe to visit Venus?
Mariner 2
Who is the first visitor of the planet Mercury?
Mariner 10 was the first space probe to visit Mercury. On August 3, 2004, NASA launched the MESSENGER mission to Mercury. It will flyby Earth, Venus, and Mercury itself several times before settliing into orbit around our innermost planet in March 2011.
Which of the Mariner Series of space probes was the first to visit venus?
Mariner 2
Did spacecraft ever visit mercury?
Mariner 10 and MESSENGER flew past Mercury.
What features did the 2008 Mercury Mariner have?
The 2008 Mercury Mariner features a dual core engine, a hybrid car model, and a unique look. To find more information visit one's local car dealer or visit the Mariner website.
Which of the mariner series of space probes was the first spacecraft to visit mars?
Mariner 4 was the first ship to visit Mars.
Where can I find pricing and options for the Mercury Mariner?
To find pricing and options for the Mercury Mariner, you could go to Mercury's website. you could also visit Nada to find out what the vehicle is worth.
Which spacecraft visited mercury in the 1970's?
The first spacecraft to visit Mercury was Mariner 10 in 1974 -> 1975
Where did Magellan visit on the way?
Venus (for the space probe, not the explorer)
