Mariner7 - the groundbreaking NASA mission to Mars.

We are named after the space probe Mariner7 which was launched on a mission to Mars by NASA back in 1969.

Mariner7 carried advanced computer technology that, for the first time, could be reprogrammed from earth in real time.  Data was able to be transmitted almost 2000 times faster than that of earlier Mariner missions. The objective was to provide surface images of much greater quality and quantity to give a more complete picture of the surface of Mars.  The end game was to to provide information that would enable future missions to determine if there was life on that planet's surface.

During its voyage to Mars, contact with Mariner7 was temporarily lost due to a battery failure. After a 7-hour silence, contact was restored, but it soon became evident that the instrument that directed the television cameras had been damaged and was no longer functioning. If the cameras could not be directed the mission would be a failure. With Mars fast approaching, a solution was needed quickly.

For the first time in the history of space exploration the system was reprogrammed from earth and Mariner7 cameras began relaying images of Mars. This restoration of the imaging system was a direct result of the leading edge skills developed by the mission operators and the flexibility of the technology they had available. The mission was a complete success.

Achieving breakthroughs on new frontiers transforms our capability. To successfully deliver them requires technology enabled tools, experience and knowledge and an absolute commitment to deliver what was promised. That is the Mariner7 mission.