Mariner 2 paved the way for future missions to other worlds, establishing key scientific and technological foundations that continue to influence planetary research. The mission sheds light on the true characteristics of our “sister” planet by recording the planet’s temperature and observing its toxic atmosphere, hellish surface, and magnetic field, dispelling many common beliefs about the planet that were previously held until the mission. Built by the Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) and operated by both JPL and NASA, Mariner 2 was launched in August 1962 on an Atlas LV-3 Agena rocket and it is celebrated, not only for the milestone it achieved in space exploration, but also for the scientific knowledge it provided. Often regarded as America’s first “First” in the Space Race.
At this talk, Harrison will discuss how Mariner 2 marks an important milestone in humanity’s exploration of the cosmos as being the world’s first successful interplanetary spacecraft to journey to another planet.
Speaker: Harrison West is the head of the BIS Space History Branch and has been a member of the BIS for 4 years. He enjoys a long-standing passion for learning and discussing topics such as world history, astronomy, and space history. As well, he is conducting a study into the history of British spaceflight.