Mars 7

Mars 7
Mission typeMars flyby/lander[1]
OperatorSoviet space program
COSPAR ID1973-053A[2]
1973-053D
SATCAT no.6776[2]
7224
Mission duration7 months and 16 days
Spacecraft properties
Spacecraft3MP No.51P
ManufacturerNPO Lavochkin
Launch mass3,260 kg (7,190 lb)[2]
Landing mass635 kg (1,400 lb)
Start of mission
Launch date9 August 1973, 17:00:17 (1973-08-09UTC17:00:17Z) UTC[3]
RocketProton-K/D
Launch siteBaikonur 81/24
ContractorKhrunichev
End of mission
Last contact25 March 1974[4]
Orbital parameters
Reference systemHeliocentric
Flyby of Mars
Spacecraft componentBus
Closest approach9 March 1974
Mars flyby (failed landing)
Spacecraft componentLander
Closest approach9 March 1974
Distance1,300 km (810 mi)
← Mars 6
 

Mars 7 (Russian: Марс-7), also known as 3MP No.51P was a Soviet spacecraft launched in 1973 to explore Mars. A 3MP bus spacecraft which comprised the final mission of the Mars programme, it consisted of a lander and a coast stage with instruments to study Mars as it flew past. Due to a malfunction, the lander failed to perform a maneuver necessary to enter the Martian atmosphere, missing the planet and remaining in heliocentric orbit along with the coast stage.

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