description Mars 3 Overview
Mars 3 was a Soviet robotic mission consisting of an orbiter and a lander, launched on 28 May 1971. Its lander reached the Martian surface in December 1971 and became the first spacecraft to make a soft landing on Mars. It transmitted data for about 20 seconds before contact was lost, while the orbiter continued observations from Mars orbit.
help Mars 3 FAQ
What was Mars 3?
Mars 3 was a Soviet robotic mission made up of an orbiter and a lander. It launched on 28 May 1971 as part of the Soviet effort to explore Mars.
Why is the Mars 3 lander historically important?
The lander reached Mars in December 1971 and became the first spacecraft to make a soft landing on the planet. It transmitted data for only about 20 seconds before contact was lost.
When did Mars 3 launch and land?
Mars 3 launched on 28 May 1971 and its lander reached the Martian surface in December 1971. The mission therefore crossed the gap between a late-May launch and a first successful soft landing later that year.
Did Mars 3 continue transmitting after landing?
Only briefly. The lander sent data for about 20 seconds after reaching the surface, while the mission's orbiter formed the separate orbital component.
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