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Mariner 2 Spacecraft Dimensions The spacecraft had a hexagonal base, which was 1.04 metres across and had a thickness of 0.36 meters. This contained six magnesium chassis that provided electronics for experiments, communications, data encoding, computing, timing, attitude and power control, battery, and battery charger, attitude control gas bottles and the rocket engine. There was a tall pyramid shaped mast, attached on top of the base. Scientific instruments were mounted on the mast. The total height of the spacecraft was 3.66 metres. Solar panel wings, with a span of 5.05 metres and 0.76 metres wide were attached to either side. A large directional dish antenna was attached to one side of the base and extended below the spacecraft. The total dry mass of the spacecraft was 202.80 kilograms. Power The power system of the spacecraft had two solar cell wings. These cells supplied power to the spacecraft directly or recharged a 1000 Watt- hour sealed silver-zinc cell battery. Power flow was regulated by a power-switching and booster regulatory device . Communications Communication was possible through the following instruments;
Propulsion Monopropellant (anhydrous hydrazine) 225 N retro-rocket provided propulsion for mid-course maneuvers. Nitrogen tetroxide and aluminum oxide pellets were used to ignite the hydrazine. Four jet vanes situated below the thrust chamber controlled thrust direction. A digital Central Computer and Sequencer performed timing and control. Passive reflecting and absorbing surfaces, thermal shields, and movable louvers were used for thermal control. Instruments The spacecraft housed six instruments. These included;
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