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Pioneer 10 / 11, reconstructed full-scale mock-up, 1972
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Pioneer 10 / 11, reconstructed full-scale mock-up, 1972
For over 30 years, the Pioneer 10 spacecraft sent photographs and scientific information back to Earth. Launched March 2, 1972, it reached speeds of 52, 100 kilometers (32, 400 miles) per hour on its flight to Jupiter, making it one of the fastest human-made objects ever. After completing an investigation of Jupiter, Pioneer 10 continued on to the outer regions of the solar system, studying solar wind and cosmic rays. Having gone further into space than any other object sent from Earth, Pioneers last weak signal was received on January 22, 2003, from approximately 12.2 billion kilometers (7.6 billion miles) from Earth. NASA engineers reported that Pioneer 10s radioisotope power source had degraded and was not likely to allow future transmissions. As it drifts into interstellar space, Pioneer 10 will continue to carry a plaque designed to inform intelligent life that may find it about the spacecraft and its origins. The prototype spacecraft displayed here was constructed for NASA by TRW, Inc
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Media ID 23871967
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
1970s Air And Space Museum Discovering Discovery Exploration Information Nasm National Air And Space Museum Research Seventies Space Space Exploration Space Travel Spacecraft
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This print showcases the reconstructed full-scale mock-up of Pioneer 10/11, a legendary spacecraft that revolutionized our understanding of the cosmos. Launched on March 2,1972, this remarkable vessel embarked on an extraordinary journey through space, transmitting invaluable scientific data and breathtaking photographs back to Earth for over three decades. Pioneer 10 achieved unprecedented speeds during its flight to Jupiter, reaching an astonishing velocity of 52,100 kilometers (32,400 miles) per hour. This incredible feat made it one of the fastest human-made objects ever created. After completing its groundbreaking investigation of Jupiter's mysteries, Pioneer 10 ventured even further into the outer reaches of our solar system. It diligently studied solar wind and cosmic rays while surpassing any other object launched from our planet. Sadly, all good things must come to an end. On January 22,2003, NASA received Pioneer 10's final weak signal from a mind-boggling distance of approximately 12.2 billion kilometers (7.6 billion miles) away from Earth. Engineers determined that the radioisotope power source had degraded beyond repairability and future transmissions were unlikely. As Pioneer 10 continues its eternal drift into interstellar space as humanity's emissary to distant realms unknowns; it carries with it a plaque designed to inform any intelligent life forms who may encounter it about its origin and purpose in exploring the universe. This awe-inspiring prototype spacecraft was meticulously constructed by TRW Space & Technology Group for NASA—an enduring testament to human ingenuity and curiosity about what lies beyond our celestial boundaries.
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