Planetary scientists have sent the MESSENGER space probe to Mercury to answer questions left hanging after the visit of the last spacecraft, Mariner 10, in the mid-1970s.
NASA / JHUAPL / CIW
January 10, 2008
In a few days, the MESSENGER spacecraft will pass near Mercury. In 2011, the orbiter will return to the innermost planet for an up-close study. Why is MESSENGER passing so close to Mercury now? In this week’s show, Astronomy Senior Editor Rich Talcott explains what the spacecraft is doing in this flyby.
In a few days, the MESSENGER spacecraft will pass near Mercury. In 2011, the orbiter will return to the innermost planet for an up-close study. Why is MESSENGER passing so close to Mercury now? In this week’s show, Astronomy Senior Editor Rich Talcott explains what the spacecraft is doing in this flyby.
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