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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 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
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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
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Mariner 4’s primary objective was to conduct closeup scientific observations of Mars and to transmit these observations to Earth. Additional goals included performing field and particle measurements in interplanetary space, and providing experience and knowledge of engineering capabilities for interplanetary flights of long duration…
Mariner 4
Launch on Atlas-Agena
Mariner 4’s Photo Path
