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Begining
Messenger was selected to go up in space and be the seventh discovery program sent up to space by NASA. This date is important because when Mariner 10 (the first mission that went to Mercury) only took pictures of half the Planet and scientists were curious to see the rest of it so they decided to design a space craft that can take photos of the whole planet. -
Designing
The begining of the primary design begins which shows that NASA wants to do this project as soon as they can and this is the essential begining to Messenger. -
Take Off!
Messenger was succesfully lifted off from the Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. This was an important day because it was the beginning to a journey to be the first spacecraft to orbit Mercury. -
Earth Flyby
Messenger passes close enough to Earth to gather data which is important so scientists can compare Venus and Earth once Messenger reaches Venus. -
Venus Flyby Again!
Venus goes around Venus its second time which is important so scientists can compare the pictures from the two flybys and add them together to be more exact on the visuals of Venus. -
Mercury Flyby
Messenger has finally reached Mercury and this is important becasue they have reached the foundational goal of the mission. -
7 year anniversary
Just recently Messenger had its 7th Anniversary of being in space this is important because scientists can now see how long it takes for certain features to change. -
Ice on Mercury
Messenger took a photo of a crater that could be due to water ice. This very important to us because this may mean one day we can live on Mercury. -
Secondary Crater Chains
Only a few weeks ago, Messenger discovered a path of craters called Secondary Crater Chains. These trails are formed when ejecta is pushed out. -
First Close Up
Messenger took a photo of a very big crater on Mercury. This is important because it was Messenger's first close up photo.
