see more

4th February 1972: The Pioneer F spacecraft (later named Pioneer 10) during a checkout with the third stage launch vehicle at Cape Kennedy, Florida. The interplanetary satellite will be launched on a mission to Jupiter in early 1972, from where it will travel to beyond our solar system. (Photo by MPI/Getty Images)

4th February 1972:  The Pioneer F spacecraft (later named Pioneer 10) during a checkout with the third stage launch vehicle at Cape Kennedy, Florida. The interplanetary satellite will be launched on a mission to Jupiter in early 1972, from where it will travel to beyond our solar system.  (Photo by MPI/Getty Images)