The Mariner 9 spacecraft will reach Mars and be placed into orbit in November. The following schedule of events is for your planning purposes. All times are Pacific Standard Time.
Oct. 26 2nd midcourse correction (to provide precision required for orbital insertion).
Oct. 28 Press Briefing, NASA Hdq. Washington, D. C.
Nov. 8 Press Room open at JPL
Nov. 10 Press Briefing at JPL Press Room. Take 1st series of approach pictures of Mars. 30 pictures.
Nov. 11 PLAYBACK 1st series, 30 pictures. 3 to 6 p.m.
Nov. 12 PLAYBACK 2nd series, 7 to 10 p.m., 30 pictures.
Nov. 13 Orbit insertion. 4:05 p.m., PST., 15 minute burn of retro engine. PLAYBACK 3rd series, 30 pictures, 3 to 4 hours later.
Nov. 14M PLAYBACKS from first two orbits: 2 to 5 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m. 30 pictures per orbit.
Once in orbit at Mars (2 orbits per day) the daily picture return will be about 60 frames. The spacecraft will transmit pictures and other science data twice a day between approximately 1 p.m. and 10 p.m. Hard copies of selected pictures, will be available each day beginning Nov. 11th.
The basic mission is 90 days in orbit. An extended mission could last up to one year.
A press kit covering the first 18 days in orbit will be mailed in late October. The kit will provide a time-line for the complex science operations planned for each orbit.
If you plan to cover, this office would appreciate a call. No special credentials required other than Press I.D.
818-354-5011