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

Dec 01

Space Rocket History #428 – Skylab – Skylab 4 – Kohoutek in all its Glory

Posted on December 1, 2023 by Mike Annis

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This crew was the first to celebrate a new year in space 17 times as they orbited the earth and moved through the time zones.

Kohoutek

Skylab Food & Tray

Trash Air Lock over the LOX Tank

Nov 17

Space Rocket History #427 – Skylab – Skylab 4 – Christmas in Space

Posted on November 17, 2023 by Mike Annis

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“We and everybody on the ground thought that it was going to be a beautiful, brilliant comet. It turned out to be beautiful all right, but it was so faint that we really had to work to find it. Once we did find it, we observed a gorgeous thing: small, fainter, but gorgeous! Although we took as many pictures as we could, I don’t think our film captured its beauty.” Jerry Carr.

Decorating the Tree

Kohoutek Photo from EVA

Kouhoutek Day After Perihelion

Nov 03

Space Rocket History #426 – Skylab – Skylab 4 – The First EVA

Posted on November 3, 2023 by Mike Annis

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“Nothing was outside, three times I went out that hatch into the ‘truly great outdoors.’ When I was out there, it was a silent world, except for the whispers of my own breath. Sometimes I felt totally alone, like the world below didn’t even know I was there.” Ed Gibson.