Correct weight of the Mariner Mars 1969 spacecraft is ___ _______. The 900-pound figure used in the press kit includes the weight of the spacecraft adapter, a cylindrical structure which provides the mechanical and electrical attaching points between the Mariner spacecraft and the forward bulkhead of the Centaur stage of the launch vehicle.
JPL builds the spacecraft adapter and delivers a total of 900 pounds to the launch pad. However, the 50-pound adapter remains with the Centaur at separation making the injection weight 850 pounds.
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