Three Mariner probes were constructed for the mission, with two intended to fly and one as a spare in the event of a mission failure. The spacecraft have been shipped to Cape Canaveral with their Atlas-Centaur boosters in December 1968 - January 1969 to begin pre-launch checkouts and testing. On February 14, Mariner 6 was undergoing a simulated countdown on LC-36A, electrical energy running, but no propellant loaded within the booster. Through the test run, an electrical relay within the Atlas malfunctioned and opened two valves within the pneumatic system which allowed helium stress gas to flee from the booster's balloon skin. If you loved this article and you also would like to collect more info with regards to distant healing group generously visit our own web-page. The Atlas began to crumple over, nonetheless two pad technicians shortly activated a guide override change to close the valves and pump helium again in.
