Mariner 3 facts for kids
The Mariner 3 spacecraft
|
|
| Mission type | Mars flyby |
|---|---|
| Operator | NASA / JPL |
| Mission duration | Launch failure |
| Spacecraft properties | |
| Manufacturer | Jet Propulsion Laboratory |
| Launch mass | 260.8 kilograms (575 lb) |
| Power | 300 watts (at Mars encounter) |
| Start of mission | |
| Launch date | November 5, 1964, 19:22:05 UTC |
| Rocket | Atlas LV-3 Agena-D |
| Launch site | Cape Canaveral LC-13 |
| Orbital parameters | |
| Reference system | Heliocentric |
Mariner 3 was a NASA spacecraft. It was part of the Mariner program, which sent probes to explore other planets. Mariner 3 was designed to fly past Mars and take pictures. It also planned to study the space between planets.
What Was Mariner 3?
Mariner 3 was a robot explorer built by NASA. It was the third spacecraft in a series called the Mariner program. This program aimed to send probes to study our solar system's inner planets. Mariner 3 was specifically built to visit the planet Mars.
The Mission to Mars
Mariner 3's main goal was to reach Mars. It was supposed to fly close to the planet. During its flyby, it would take the first close-up pictures of Mars. Scientists also wanted to learn more about space itself. The journey to Mars was expected to take about eight months.
What Went Wrong?
Mariner 3 launched on November 5, 1964. It lifted off from Cape Canaveral in Florida. However, something went wrong shortly after launch. A protective cover over the spacecraft's main camera did not open. This cover was supposed to protect the camera during launch.
Because the cover stayed closed, the spacecraft became too heavy. It could not get enough power from its solar panels. The solar panels were blocked by the stuck cover. This meant Mariner 3 lost power just eight hours after launch. It could not get enough energy to work properly.
Where is Mariner 3 Now?
Because of the power loss, Mariner 3 could not reach Mars. It never got onto the correct path to the planet. Instead, it ended up in a heliocentric orbit. This means it is now orbiting the Sun. It is like a small, silent satellite circling the Sun forever. Mariner 3 is still in space today, a reminder of early space exploration challenges.
See also
In Spanish: Mariner 3 para niños
