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NASA’s Explorer 50, also known as Interplanetary Monitoring Platform-8 or IMP-8, stands as a testament to humanity’s relentless pursuit of knowledge and exploration beyond the confines of Earth.
Explorer 50
Westar 1
NOAA 4
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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
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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
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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
