Exploration of Mars
Exploration of Mars
In May 1971, the USSR launched the space probes Mars 2 and 3, the two probes crashed-
landed on Mars and transmited data briefly. The USSR also launched Mars probes 4, 5, 6,
and 7 in August 1973; but numerous technical malfunctions tormented all of the missions.
The USSR in 1988 sent the Phobos 1 and 2 space probes to land on Phobos, the Martian
moon; Phobos 1 was lost due to human error, and Phobos 2 dropped out of radio contact.
The U.S. program launched Mariner 9 in May 1971, which orbited Mars from November
to October 1972. Mariner 9 transmitted sufficient photographs for an almost complete map
of the planet. Viking 1 and 2 started an 11-month journey to Mars in August and
September 1975. Each probe carried a lander armed with chemical laboratories and life-
detecting , seismographic and weather instruments , two color television cameras , and a 10
ft (3-m) retractable claw intended to be controlled from the Earth. Both worked well for various years.
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