Mariner 9
Re-entered 31 May 1971Mariner 9 (NORAD 5261, COSPAR 1971-051A) was a US satellite that re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 May 1971, launched on 30 May 1971 on the Mariner 71J mission. It is catalogued as Mariner 71I. It was operated by JPL as part of the Mariner programme. The spacecraft was built by JPL on the Mariner bus, with a mass of 1,031 kg. Like most satellites in low orbits, it was gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until re-entry. Historical record from Orbital Radar's satellite archive, cross-referenced with the live satellite catalogue.
Lifecycle
Specifications
Frequently asked questions
What happened to Mariner 9?
Mariner 9 re-entered Earth's atmosphere on 31 May 1971, ending a mission that began with its launch in 1971. Objects in low orbits are gradually slowed by atmospheric drag until they fall back and burn up on re-entry.
When did Mariner 9 re-enter the atmosphere?
Mariner 9 re-entered on 31 May 1971, according to Orbital Radar's historical catalogue records.
Who operated and built Mariner 9?
Mariner 9 was operated by JPL and built by JPL (US).