Question

A space probe is a robotic spacecraft that leaves Earth's orbit and explores space. Which among the following was the first space probe to maintain orbit around another planet?

• A. Mariner 10
• B. Mars 3
• C. Mariner 9
• D. Sojourner

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Mariner 9

• In 1971, the Mariner 9 spacecraft became the first spacecraft to orbit another planet. While in orbit, Mariner 9 mapped 85 percent of the Martian surface, an objective it inherited from the failed Mariner 8 mission, and collected valuable information about Mars' surface and atmosphere.
• The Mariner 9 mission resulted in a global mapping of the surface of Mars, including the first detailed views of the martian volcanoes, the polar caps, and the satellites Phobos and Deimos.