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The last in the Mariner series of spacecraft to survey the inner planets of the solar system, the objectives of Mariner 10 were to validate the gravity assist trajectory technique, test the experimental X-band transmitter, and measure the atmospheric, surface, and physical characteristics of Venus and Mercury.
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Mariner 10 was the first spacecraft to use a gravity assist trajectory, accelerating as it entered the gravitational influence of Venus, then being flung by the planet's gravity onto a slightly different course to reach Mercury. Requiring more course correction than any previous spacecraft, when the thruster fuel ran low, the solar panels were oriented as sails to use the solar wind as a means of locomotion to assist with course corrections. It was also the first spacecraft to encounter two planets at close range and the first spacecraft to use the new, experimental X-band high-frequency transmitter, allowing faster data transmission to Earth. This Mariner flew past Venus to within 5,800 kilometers (3,600 miles).
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1. Nasa.gov website - used with permission.
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Mission
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Launch Date: 03-Nov-1973
Arrival: 05-Feb-1974
Status: Mission Complete
Image: 
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