Mariner 10: Best Venus Image and 1st Ever Planetary Gravity Assist – 40 Years Ago Today

(Before It's News)

On Feb. 5, 1974, NASA’s Mariner 10 mission took this first close-up photo of Venus during 1st gravity assist flyby. Credit: NASA

Exactly 40 Years ago today on Feb. 5, 1974, Mariner 10, accomplished a history making and groundbreaking feat when the NASA science probe became the first spacecraft ever to test out and execute the technique known as a planetary gravity assisted flyby used to alter its speed and trajectory.

Mariner 10 flew by Venus 40 years ago to enable the probe to gain enough sped and alter its flight path to eventually become humanity’s first spacecraft to reach the planet Mercury, closest to our Sun.

During the flyby precisely four decades ago, Mariner 10 snapped its 1st close up view of Venus – see above. (…)
Read the rest of Mariner 10: Best Venus Image and 1st Ever Planetary Gravity Assist – 40 Years Ago Today (125 words)

© Ken Kremer for Universe Today, 2014. |
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