When did NASA launch Mariner 10 from Cape Canaveral?
NASA launched Mariner 10 on the 3rd of November 1973. The spacecraft was built by Boeing in Seattle and shipped to California for testing before this launch date.
Questions about Mariner 10
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How much money did the Mariner 10 mission cost under budget?
The total cost of the Mariner 10 mission ended up about US$1 million under the strict limit of US$98 million. Engineers diverted some funding to construct a backup spacecraft even though they stayed under budget.
What planet did Mariner 10 use to reach Mercury via gravity assist?
Mariner 10 used Venus to bend its flight path and bring its perihelion down to Mercury's orbit level. This maneuver occurred when the spacecraft passed Venus at closest approach distance of 5,000 kilometers on the 5th of February 1974.
Which dates did Mariner 10 fly past Mercury three times between 1974 and 1975?
Mariner 10 flew past Mercury first on the 29th of March 1974, second on the 21st of September 1974, and third final encounter took place on the 16th of March 1975. The orbital period was almost exactly twice that of Mercury so the same side sunlit each time during encounters.
How many percent of Mercury surface did Mariner 10 map before ending transmission in March 1975?
Mariner 10 was only able to map 40, 45% of Mercury surface taking over 2,800 photos total. Commands sent immediately to turn off transmitter caused radio signals to cease on the 24th of March 1975 when final depletion of nitrogen supply signaled onset of un-programmed pitch turn.