Mariner 10 became the first spacecraft to enter Mercury's orbit on 29 March 1974. Learn how it used solar pressure and Venus gravity for its journey.

Mariner 10: NASA’s Historic Mission to Mercury and Venus

Current Affairs March 2025 | Atharva Examwise Current News

On 29 March 1974, NASA’s Mariner 10 created history by becoming the first spacecraft to enter Mercury’s orbit. It was also the final mission under NASA’s Mariner program, designed to study both Mercury and Venus. This milestone is a key highlight for students tracking daily GK updates and competitive exam news.

A Groundbreaking Scientific Feat

Mariner 10’s mission aimed to study the composition, atmosphere, and environment of Mercury and Venus.

What made it revolutionary was its gravity assist maneuver — it used Venus’s gravitational pull to reach Mercury, a technique that was a major innovation in space exploration at the time.

🔗 Read more on NASA’s Mariner 10 Mission – NASA Official Archive

Using Solar Pressure for Navigation: A Space First

As Mariner 10 approached Mercury, it faced fuel depletion. Instead of aborting the mission, NASA scientists cleverly utilized solar radiation pressure—the gentle force from sunlight—to alter the spacecraft’s path.

This was the first time in history a spacecraft changed its direction using solar pressure, marking another landmark in space technology.

Major Achievements of Mariner 10

First spacecraft to fly by Mercury

Used Venus gravity assist to reach Mercury

Conducted three flybys of Mercury

Sent back over 2,800 images, revealing that Mercury’s surface resembles the Moon

First to use solar radiation pressure for trajectory control

Key Takeaways for Competitive Exams

Mariner 10 reached Mercury’s orbit on 29 March 1974.

It was the final mission of NASA’s Mariner program.

Used Venus’s gravity to reach Mercury.

Conducted 3 close flybys and took 2800+ photos of Mercury.

First to use solar pressure to adjust its flight path.

Helped establish Mercury’s surface is Moon-like.

Why This Matters for Exams

Space technology and missions are a frequently asked topic in the UPSC Prelims, SSC CGL, Banking exams, and other general awareness sections.
Understanding Mariner 10’s scientific breakthroughs, including gravity assist and solar navigation, offers insights into how space missions evolve—making it a must-know topic in your March 2025 current affairs prep.

For more space science updates, daily current affairs, and exam-focused content, visit Atharva Examwise.