Pioneer-10 (RSS)

Pioneer 10 was a NASA space probe launched in 1972 that achieved several milestones, including the first flyby of Jupiter and becoming the first human-made object to leave the solar system. It was also the first spacecraft to traverse the asteroid belt. After a long and productive mission, Pioneer 10's last signal was received in 2003, although it continues its journey into interstellar space.
Here's a more detailed look at Pioneer 10:
Mission Objectives:
Pioneer 10 was designed to study Jupiter's atmosphere, magnetosphere, and satellites, as well as solar wind and cosmic rays.
Jupiter Flyby:
The spacecraft made its closest approach to Jupiter on December 3, 1973, passing within 81,000 miles of the planet's cloud tops.
Crossing the Asteroid Belt:
Pioneer 10 successfully navigated the asteroid belt, which was a significant risk at the time, and emerged from the other side in February 1973.
Leaving the Solar System:
In 1983, Pioneer 10 became the first human-made object to leave the solar system.
End of Mission:
The last signal from Pioneer 10 was received in January 2003. The spacecraft's power source had degraded to the point where it could no longer transmit a usable signal.
Current Status:
Pioneer 10 is still traveling through space, heading in the general direction of the star Aldebaran, though it will take millions of years to reach it.
Pioneer Plaque:
Both Pioneer 10 and 11 carry a golden plaque with a message for any potential extraterrestrial life that might encounter them.