Images, Videos, Activities
Viking Mission Resources
Below are a variety of materials relating to the Viking 1 and 2 missions. Please use the menu at right to jump directly to the section you seek.
Viking Images of Mars
Scroll through to see some of the incredible imagery from the Viking landers and orbiters at Mars. Click on the “See More” link to view the image, read more about it, and download.
First Photo
This is the first photograph ever taken on the surface of the planet Mars. It was obtained by Viking 1 just minutes after the spacecraft landed successfully on July 20, 1976.
First Color Image
This color picture of Mars was taken July 21, 1976, the day following Viking 1’s successful landing on the planet.
Viking 2’s First Image
Viking 2’s first picture on the surface of Mars after the spacecraft touched down on Sept. 3, 1976.
First U.S. Flag at Mars
The flag of the United States with the rocky Martian surface in the background is seen in this color picture taken by Viking 1 on July 26, 1976.
The View from Viking 2
The boulder-strewn field of red rocks reaches to the horizon nearly two miles from Viking 2 on Mars’ Utopian Plain.
Sunrise on Mars
A Martian sunrise was captured in this Viking 2 lander picture taken June 14, 1978.
Sunset on Mars
This Viking 1 image is one of first images of a sunset as seen on the surface of Mars on Aug. 21, 1976.
Sampling the Surface
Operation of the surface sampler in obtaining Martian soil for NASA’s Viking 2 molecular analysis experiment.
Mars Weather Reports
The Martian weather reports started at Viking 1’s meteorology instrument, mounted atop the extended boom.
Mars from Orbit
This compilation of images captured by the Viking 1 orbiter prominently features the Valles Marineris canyon system.
Mars Volcano
Shown here is a digital mosaic of Olympus Mons, the largest known volcano in the solar system, taken by the Viking 1 orbiter.
Global Color Image
About 1,000 red-violet filter images from the Viking orbiters were combined to produce this full-color image of Mars.
Viking Mission to Mars
Retro-style video features animation of one of NASA’s Viking spacecraft en route to Mars and landing there in 1976. Video includes actual footage of NASA mission control for Viking, and the Deep Space Network in California’s Mojave Desert, which communicates with spacecraft.
Images of the Viking Spacecraft
Scroll through to see some of the photos, artist’s concepts, models, and other images of the Viking landers and orbiters. Click on the “See More” link to view the whole image, read more about it, and download originals.
Viking Spacecraft
Artist’s concept of the Viking spacecraft, with the orbiter at the top and the lander tucked inside the aeroshell below.
Landing on Mars
An artist’s concept of the sequence of events leading to the Viking landers reaching the Martian surface.
Orbiter Imaging
Viking’s orbiter imaging systems helped find safe spots for the landers to come down and later went on to map the surface and study Mars’ atmosphere.
Rocket Building
A section of the Centaur Standard Shroud being transported to the B-3 test stand.
Rocket Prep
The Centaur III/Titan third stage being mated with its rocket in preparation for the Viking launch.
Inspecting the Lander
Technicians inspect the Viking 2 lander at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center.
Preparing the Aeroshell
Technicians preparing the aeroshell cover that will protect the Viking 1 lander as it traverses Mars’s atmosphere.
Lander and Orbiter Prep
One of the Viking landers and orbiters at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center Spacecraft Assembly and Encapsulation Facility.
Ready to Launch
Encapsulated Viking 1 atop the Titan III/Centaur ready for launch on Aug. 20, 1975.
Liftoff
The Titan III/Centaur carrying Viking 1 lifts off as it begins its journey to Mars.
Viking, Mars Trailblazer
Thirty-five years after NASA’s Viking missions launched, the team looked back at this extraordinary and “gutsy” mission.
Viking and Mars Downloadables
Scroll through for posters, graphics, activities, 3D files, and other downloadables from the Viking mission and Mars.
Mars Poster
A mosaic of the Valles Marineris hemisphere of Mars, created with images from NASA’s Viking orbiters.
Viking Coloring Page
Download and color NASA’s Viking lander and other spacecraft and planets in our solar system.
Mission to Mars: Scavenger Hunt
A guided quest to discover information about Mars using NASA’s Space Place for Kids web site.
40th Anniversary Medallion
Commemorative 3D medallion from the Viking landing’s 40th anniversary.
Cloudspotting on Mars
Examine NASA data and images to help scientists find and catalog shapes in the Martian clouds in this Citizen Science Project.
Art from Viking’s 40th Anniversary
Scroll through to see artwork created for the 40th anniversary of the Viking mission landing.
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