Mariner 4 was a distinctive spacecraft, primarily recognized by its octagonal main body and four prominent solar panels designed for its deep-space mission to Mars.
Core Structure of Mariner 4
The heart of the Mariner 4 spacecraft was its main frame, which served as the central hub for all its instruments and systems.
- Shape and Material: The core of Mariner 4 was an octagonal frame crafted from magnesium. This eight-sided design provided a stable and efficient structure for housing the spacecraft's intricate components.
- Dimensions: Its compact yet functional design ensured it could effectively navigate the vastness of space.
| Component | Dimension | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Main Frame | 127 cm (across diagonal) | The width of the octagonal base |
| 45.7 cm (height) | The vertical dimension of the main body |
Solar Panels and Power Generation
Critical for its long journey, Mariner 4 relied on its four large solar panels to generate power from sunlight.
- Quantity and Placement: Four large solar panels were strategically attached to the top of the octagonal frame. When deployed, these panels spread out to capture as much solar energy as possible.
- Impressive Span: Including the solar pressure vanes that extended from their ends, the solar panels achieved an impressive end-to-end span of 688 cm (approximately 22.5 feet). These vanes helped in attitude control by utilizing the slight pressure exerted by sunlight.
In essence, Mariner 4 presented a sleek, geometric appearance, with a relatively small central body augmented by wide, outstretched solar arrays, giving it a characteristic silhouette as it traversed the solar system.
