Viking 1 and 2
Viking 1 and 2 is the first ever Mars mission to have a lander successfully reach the surface of Mars. Viking 1 (Orbiter and Lander) launched on August 20, 1975 while Viking 2 launched September 9, 1975. They successfully arrived in Mars on June 19, 1976 (Viking 1) and August 7, 1976 (Viking 2).
The Viking lander 1 positioned itself on Chryse Planitia (the plains of Gold) while viking 2 landed on utopia Planitia. The landers were successful in collecting samples and experimenting on the Martian soil in search for even the most minute sign of life. It was on these experiments that scientists discovered how harsh the Martian soil is. They concluded that the solar ultraviolet radiation, the dryness of the soil and its oxidizing nature makes it impossible for any living organism to form in the soil.
The mission was planned to last for 90 days but both the landers and orbiters stayed operational for long periods of time. Viking 1 orbiter continued its mission for 4 years and 1,489 orbits and Viking 2 orbiter didn’t stop communicating until July 25, 1978. The Landers, which were powered by radioisotope thermoelectric generators continued their mission until November 11, 1982 (Viking Lander 1) and April 11, 1980 (Viking Lander 2).
THE MISSION
- Search for traces of life.
- Understand the composition of the Martian surface.
- Get as much image of Mars to further look for traces of life.
The Viking missions provided a great amount of information about Mars. Pictures of Valleys, Gullies, Craters, Dunes and the 2 Moons were all gathered by the Viking. The Viking was also able to map out the Martian surface enabling scientists to differentiate the southern and northern hemispheres of Mars.
EQUIPMENTS
- Infrared Thermal Mapper (IRTM) - Used to measure the temperature of the atmosphere and the Martian surface.
- Orbiter Imager - Used to collect images.
- Mars Atmospheric Water Detector (MAWD) - Used to measure solar infrared radiation reflected from the surface through the atmosphere and to the orbiter.
- Orbiter Radio Science - Used to study the Martian gravitational field, the structure of the solar corona and the plasma in interplanetary space.
MISSION HIGHLIGHTS
- When the Vikings 1 and 2 launched nobody had an idea what the Martian surface looked like, we had pictures but they are far from the surface so nobody really knew what to expect and if the landers can land safely. The whole nation jumped in joy when it was officially announced that we landed on Mars safely.
- The Vikings provided measurements of the Martian atmosphere and the surface.
- The Viking completed the very first Entry, Descent and Landing on Mars.
- The findings of Viking were used to guide future orbiter and lander missions.
The Viking was the pride of all human race. It began a new age of discovery, we were well on our way to discovering and understanding another planet. To date, Martian missions are still in full swing. Different landers and orbiters have been sent and a large amount of data has been collected. Water, which is a precursor of life, has been found and is evident all around the planet. Anytime now, we will be able to finish what the Viking started and fulfill its mission - Find life in Mars.