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Mariner 6 Launch

An Atlas-Centaur rocket carrying the Mariner 6 spacecraft lifted off from Cape Kennedy’s Launch Complex 36B at 8:29 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, February 24, 1969. Along with its twin Mariner 7 spacecraft, Mariner 6 was designed to make a close flyby of Mars to study the surface for signs of life and develop technology for future missions. It took 24 near-encounter photos showing a chaotic and heavily cratered surface as well as the dark features long seen from Earth.

 

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Credit: NASA

Image Number: 69PC-23

Date: February 24, 1969

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Uploaded on February 24, 2025
Taken on February 24, 1969