Mariner 8 itu apa sih?

Mariner-H (Mariner Mars '71), juga dikenal sebagai Mariner 8, (bersama dengan Mariner 9) adalah bagian dari proyek Mariner Mars '71. Hal itu dimaksudkan untuk pergi ke orbit Mars dan mengembalikan gambar dan data, tetapi kegagalan peluncuran kendaraan membatalkan Mariner 8 dari bahkan mencapai orbit Bumi dan pesawat ruang angkasa masuk kembali ke Samudera Atlantik tak lama setelah peluncuran.

Pyle, Rod (2012). Destination Mars. Prometheus Books. pp. 73–78. ISBN 978-1-61614-589-7. "Mariner 8 launched ... but failed early in flight and ended its mission by splashing into the Atlantic Ocean. ... [Mariner 9] was the first spacecraft to enter orbit around another world. ... [It] continues to orbit Mars to this day, sailing around the planet deaf and dumb in the cold darkness. ... [Mariners 1-10 were] a demonstration of what a bargain these early missions were. For a total cost of $554 millions, the inner solar system had been opened, and brilliantly."

Mariner 8 Mission Profile by NASA's Solar System Exploration