In 1971, the USA space probe Mariner 9 became the first spacecraft to orbit another planet. Mariner 9 was launched by NASA on May 30, 1971, with the goal of studying the planet Mars. It arrived at Mars on November 14, 1971, and entered orbit around the red planet.

Mariner 9 was a groundbreaking mission that provided scientists with a wealth of information about Mars. It was able to capture over 7,000 images of the Martian surface, revealing details of the planet's geology and topography. The probe also discovered evidence of ancient river channels and volcanoes on Mars, leading to a greater understanding of the planet's history.

One of the most significant findings of Mariner 9 was the discovery of Olympus Mons, the largest volcano in the solar system, and Valles Marineris, a vast canyon system on Mars. These discoveries revolutionized our understanding of Mars and its geological features.

Mariner 9 operated in orbit around Mars for nearly a year, transmitting valuable data back to Earth. The spacecraft's mission came to an end in October 1972, when it ran out of maneuvering fuel and communication was lost.

Despite its eventual demise, Mariner 9 paved the way for future missions to Mars, including the highly successful Viking missions in the 1970s. The data collected by Mariner 9 continues to be studied by scientists today, providing valuable insights into the geology and climate of Mars.

In conclusion, the USA space probe Mariner 9 was a groundbreaking mission that made history in 1971 as the first spacecraft to orbit another planet. Its discoveries and data have had a lasting impact on our understanding of Mars and have paved the way for future exploration of the red planet.

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