Mariner 9
On November 17, 1971, Mariner 9 became the first spacecraft to orbit another planet when it entered the orbit of Mars. Mariner 9 was planned to be one of two spacecrafts on complementary missions. However, after Mariner 8 failed to launch, Mariner 9 carried out the objectives of both spacecraft. Those objectives included mapping the surface of Mars, which was originally to be carried out by Mariner 8, and studying the temporal changes in the atmosphere and surface of Mars.
Mariner 9 Resources
Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer (IRIS)
The Infrared Interferometer Spectrometer (IRIS) on Mariner 9 was a Michelson interferometer designed to measure infrared emissions from the atmosphere and surface of Mars. Its scientific objectives included providing information on the vertical temperature profile, composition, and dynamics of the atmosphere and the temperature and composition of the surface of Mars.
IRIS Resources
PDS Data Sets
- Mariner 9 IRIS calibrated data of Mars
- NASA Official: Dr. F. Michael Flasar, NASA/GSFC
- Email: f.m.flasar@nasa.gov
- Curator: Ever Guandique, ADNET Systems, Inc.
- Email: ever.guandique@nasa.gov
