NSSDCA ID: 1964-073A-01
Mission Name: Mariner 3The instrument package of the unsuccessful Mariner 3 spacecraft included a telescopic vidicon TV image tube that was included to obtain pictures of the Martian surface from a distance of 10,500 to 7400 miles. The science control subsystem was designed to shutter the camera optics every 48 sec, placing red and green filters alternately before the lens. The apparatus included a telescope of 30.5-cm focal length and 1-deg field of view to bring the 1.4-sq cm image to the TV tube. The TV camera was designed to scan the image in 200 lines of 200 dots each and to produce a digital signal of 240,000 bits per picture. This signal was to be recorded on a two-track 1/4-in. magnetic tape loop 300 ft long, capable of recording a little more than 21 pictures. Tape speed over the recording head was to be about 13 in. per sec with stops between pictures to conserve tape. Two of every three pictures taken were to be recorded on the tape, yielding a chain of pairs of overlapping alternate color pictures extending across the entire disk of Mars. The picture recording sequence was designed to begin automatically. Because of the failure of a protective shield to eject after the spacecraft had passed through the atmosphere, Mariner 3 did not achieve its prescribed Mars trajectory.
Questions and comments about this experiment can be directed to: Coordinated Request and User Support Office
Name | Role | Original Affiliation | |
---|---|---|---|
Dr. Robert B. Leighton | Principal Investigator | California Institute of Technology |