Exploring the planets with spacecraft - Accomplishments to dateA summary of knowledge gained about Venus, Mars, Jupiter, and Mercury via spacecraft. Mariner and Venera probes returned data on Venus' size, atmospheric structure and composition, temperature profiles, and magnetic field. Knowledge of the clouds is still primitive. Mars and Mariner probes (especially Mariner 9) expanded knowledge of the Martian surface, atmospheric structure and dynamics, and magnetic field. Mars is now viewed as a very active planet, with the possibility of life not immediately ruled out. Pioneer 10 returned data on Jovian temperature profiles and magnetic field, Galilean satellite masses, and Io's atmosphere. Mariner 10 added to knowledge of Mercury's surface, magnetic field, atmosphere, and activity.
Document ID
19750029616
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Rea, D. G. (California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena Calif., United States)