NASA’s Mariner 6 space probe successfully launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
Data from Mariner 6’s launch was used to ensure the success of the Mariner 7, which joined the Mariner 6 in space a month later. The pair of probes made their way to Mars to complete the first dual spacecraft mission to Mars. The Mariner 6 and 7 missions collected data and photographed about 20% of Mars’ surface.