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Viking Program (1975-1982)
Viking Program consisted of two unmanned space missions to Mars, Viking 1 and Viking 2.
Each spacecraft consisted of an orbiter and a lander.
Viking 1 was launched on August 20, 1975, and the second craft, Viking 2, was launched on September 9, 1975.
On July 20, 1976 Viking Lander 1 separated from the Orbiter and touched down at Chryse Planitia.
Viking Lander 2 touched down at Utopia Planitia on September 3, 1976.
The Viking Landers transmitted images of the surface, took surface samples and analyzed them for composition and signs of life.
Program ending:
Viking 1 Orbiter - August 17, 1980 - Shut down after depletion of attitude control fuel
Viking 1 Lander - November 13, 1982 - Contact lost
Viking 2 Orbiter - July 25, 1978 - Shut down after fuel leak in propulsion system
Viking 2 Lander - April 11, 1980 - Shut down after battery failure
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