Reading level:
A kid-friendly version of this page isn’t written yet — you’re seeing the regular version below. Back to the gallery to find an aircraft with a Kids version.

NASA JPL Mariner Program

NASA JPL · Inner Planet Flyby / Orbital Science Probes · USA · Early Jet (1946–1969)

NASA JPL Mariner Program — Inner Planet Flyby / Orbital Science Probes
Open in interactive gallery →

The Mariner program was conducted by the American space agency NASA to explore other planets. Between 1962 and late 1973, NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) designed and built 10 robotic interplanetary probes named Mariner to explore the inner Solar System – visiting the planets Venus, Mars and Mercury for the first time, and returning to Venus and Mars for additional close observations.

Specifications

Category
Space
Sub-Category
Space Probe
Domain
Civil
Era
Early Jet (1946–1969)
Country
USA
Manufacturer
NASA JPL
Operator
NASA
Primary Role
Inner Planet Flyby / Orbital Science Probes
Status
Retired
Service Entry
1962
Propulsion
Rocket
Engine
Solid retrorocket + monopropellant hydrazine attitude thrusters
MTOW (lb)
2,200
Max Speed (mph)
24,000