Apr 19

Space Rocket History #437 – Mariner 10 – Venus & Mercury

Posted on April 19, 2024 by Mike Annis

Scientists had long been intrigued by Mercury, the innermost planet of our solar system. Despite its proximity to the Sun, Mercury remained largely unexplored, with many questions remaining about its surface features, geological composition, and magnetic field. The scientific community recognized the need for a dedicated mission to study Mercury up close and unlock its secrets.

Mariner 10 with Instruments Labeled

Mariner 10’s view of Venus

Mariner 10’s Second Flyby of Mercury Showing Equator to South Pole

Apr 05

Space Rocket History #436 – Pioneer 11

Posted on April 5, 2024 by Mike Annis

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Pioneer 11 detected Saturn’s bow shock on Aug. 31, 1979, about 932,000 miles (1.5 million kilometers) out from the planet, thus providing the first conclusive evidence of the existence of Saturn’s magnetic field.

Pioneer 11 Launch

Pioneer 11 Beginning Gravity Slingshot Maneuver

Pioneer 11 Saturn Photo Taken 08/28/1979

Mar 15

Space Rocket History #435 – Soyuz 12 & 13

Posted on March 15, 2024 by Mike Annis

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This second generation of the Soyuz spacecraft, the Soyuz 7k-T was flown on Soyuz 12 through Soyuz 40 missions from 1973–1981. The new 7K-T spacecraft was designed to accommodate only two cosmonauts who would wear pressure suits at all times during launch, docking, undocking, and reentry.

Soyuz 12 Crew with Pressure Suits

Soyuz 13 Crew with Pressure Suits

Orion-2 Observatory

Mar 01

Space Rocket History #434 – Salyut 2, Mars 4, 5, 6, 7 & Tang Ceremony

Posted on March 1, 2024 by Mike Annis

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At this point in 1973, the Soviets were attempting to fly 2 types of space station, the long duration orbital station scientific version called DOS. The other station was a military spy space station equipped with a machine gun, called Almaz or OPS which stood for orbital piloted station.