Mariner 2
LocationSolar orbit
Year1962
SizeHexagonal bus
TypePlanetary probe
About Mariner 2
The first successful mission to another planet. Flew past Venus on December 14, 1962. Found that Venus has extremely high surface temperatures. Measured the solar wind during its cruise. Flew in place of Mariner 1, which was destroyed shortly after launch. Now drifts in orbit around the Sun.
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