1976day.year
Viking program: The American Viking 2 spacecraft lands at Utopia Planitia on Mars.
NASA's Viking 2 lander touches down at Utopia Planitia on Mars, commencing detailed surface exploration.
As part of NASA's Viking program, the Viking 2 lander achieves a controlled descent onto Mars' Utopia Planitia on September 3, 1976. It follows Viking 1 as the second spacecraft to land safely on the Red Planet. Equipped with cameras, a weather station, and a biological laboratory, Viking 2 transmits high-resolution images and scientific data back to Earth. Experiments analyze soil composition, search for microbial life, and assess atmospheric conditions. Data from the mission significantly advance understanding of Martian geology and climate. The lander far exceeds its expected lifespan, operating for over three years and informing future Mars exploration efforts.
1976
Viking program
Viking 2
Utopia Planitia
Mars