| Viking 1 Launched: | August 20, 1975 |
| Viking 2 Launched: | September 9, 1975 |
| Mission Objectives: | Obtain highly detailed pictures of the Martian surface, learn about its composition, & search for life. |
| Status: | Mission Completed |
| Organization: | NASA - USA |
|
|
The Viking Mission to Mars was the first mission to send spacecraft to another planet for prolonged surface analysis. The Viking Mission consisted of two spacecraft, each comprised of an orbiter and a lander. The Viking spacecraft were launched in 1975 and reached Mars in 1976. Viking 1 Lander touched down on Mars on July 20, 1976 on the western slopes of Chryse Planitia at 22.48° N, 47.94° W. Viking 2 Lander reached the Martian surface on September 3, 1976, in a place called Utopia Planitia, located at 47.97° N, 225.71° W.
The Viking landers transmitted images of the surface, took surface samples and analyzed them for composition and signs of life, studied atmospheric composition and meteorology, and deployed seismometers. Viking Lander 2 ended communications on April 11, 1980, and Viking Lander 1 on November 13, 1982. The two landers during their operation transmitted over 1400 images of the two landing sites.
Last Modified: Aug 19, 1998
CSR/TSGC Team Web