Space Probe Messenger

NASA is sending the space probe Messenger to investigate Mercury.The last probe was in 1974/5. Messenger took off from Cape Canaveral and should reach Mercury in 2011. Mercury, 60% iron, is the closest planet to the sun and temperatures can reach 450C. Messenger will investigate Mercury with a set of 7 sophisticated scientific instruments. The 7.9 billion kms route passes close to both Earth and Venus. Messenger will pass Mercury a number of times, orbiting the planet for one earth year and photographing it in colour. Getting the speed right for entry to Mercury’s atmosphere is the most crucial factor in the whole mission.

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