#OTD in 1971, Mariner 9 was launched. Nearly 6 months later, it became the first spacecraft to orbit another planet, beating the Soviets' Mars 2 🛰️
Mariner 9 transmitted 7,329 photos of Mars back to Earth, including this one of Ascraeus Mons volcano. https://go.nasa.gov/3MJeUrK
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In Depth | Mariner 09 – NASA Solar System Exploration
NASA’s real-time science encyclopedia of deep space exploration. Our scientists and far-ranging robots explore the wild frontiers of our solar system.NASA Solar System Exploration