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Mars Missions
So far, the exploration of Mars has occurred in three stages: Flybys, Orbitors, and Landers and Rovers.
When we were just starting out in solar system exploration, the very first missions simply flew by Mars, taking as many pictures as possible on their way past. Flyby missions include Mariner 3, Mariner 4, Mariner 6 and Mariner 7.
As our knowledge and technologies grew, we began putting spacecraft in orbit around Mars for longer term, global studies. Orbital Missions include, Mariner 8 and 9, Viking 1 and 2, Mars Observer, Mars Climate Orbiter, Mars Global Surveyor, 2001 Mars Odyssey, Mars Express and Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.
The first detailed topographic maps of Mars were produced with data from NASAs Mariner 9 orbiter mission of 1971-1972, in which channel and valley networks, volcanoes, canyons and craters were photographed at reasonable resolution for the first time.
Approximate Word count = 568 Approximate Pages = 2.3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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