Bradford A Smith_Mariner 9_1971

In this 2001 interview recorded at New Mexico State University, planetary astronomer Bradford A. Smith recounts his work on the Mariner 6, 7, and 9 missions to Mars. He discusses how his team, through ground-based observations, was the first to detect a massive Martian dust storm in advance of Mariner 9’s arrival. Smith emphasizes the importance of Clyde Tombaugh’s visual observing experience in recognizing the storm's intensity and the value of complementary ground-based and space-based planetary research. He also contrasts the success of the U.S. mission with the Soviet mission, which arrived at the same time but was unable to wait out the storm.