Viking
![[Image of Viking]](/assets/topics/viking.gif) |
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Launch Dates:
August 20 &
September 9, 1975
Arrival:
June 19 &
August 7, 1976
Landing:
July 20 &
September 3, 1976
Target:
Mars
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The Viking Mission to Mars
launched two spacecraft, Viking 1 and Viking 2,
each consisting of an orbiter and a lander. The primary mission objectives were to
obtain high resolution images of the Martian surface, characterize the structure and
composition of the atmosphere and surface, and search for evidence of life. The spacecraft
were launched in 1975 and arrived at Mars in 1976. The first month
of orbit was devoted to imaging the surface to find appropriate landing sites for the
Viking Landers. The Viking 1 Lander touched down at Chryse Planitia.
The Viking 2 Lander touched down at Utopia Planitia.
The Orbiters imaged the entire surface of Mars.
Web Pages with Information about Viking
Astrogeology Research Program
Other Web Sites
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