Mariner 1 Launch Date: 07.22.1962 An Atlas-Agena 5 carrying the Mariner 1 spacecraft lifts off from the Cape Kennedy Launch Complex on a mission to Venus. The rocket went off course and was blown up by a range safety officer about 5 minutes into flight. One month later, Mariner 2's launch was successful and it became the first spacecraft to fly past Venus in December 1962.
