Feb 09

Space Rocket History #382 – Mars 2 & 3 and Luna 18 & 19

Posted on February 9, 2022 by Mike Annis

This is how Deputy Chief Designer for OKB-1, Boris Chertok described the launch of Mars 3. “The red disk of the Sun was just touching the horizon and dramatically illuminated the rocket as it lifted off with a roar. Separation of the stages took place like a color animation display against the background of the darkened sky.”

Mars 2 & 3 Orbiter

Mars 3 Lander

Mars PrOPM Rover

Jan 26

Space Rocket History #381 – Mariner 8 & 9

Posted on January 26, 2022 by Mike Annis

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Mariner 8 and 9 were virtually identical and designed to continue the atmospheric studies begun by Mariner 6 and 7, and to hopefully map over 70% of the Martian surface.

Mariner 8 and 9 were Identical

Launch of Mariner 9

Parts Diagram of Mariners 8 & 9

Jan 12

Space Rocket History #380 – Apollo 17 – The Finale

Posted on January 12, 2022 by Mike Annis

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The Apollo 17 mission was the most productive and trouble-free piloted mission to the moon and represented the culmination of continual advancements in hardware, procedures, training, planning, operations, and scientific experiments.