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Each Viking Lander was equipped with two identical cameras that, unlike conventional cameras, did not use film. Instead, a moveable mirror scanned a vertical segment of the martian scene, and photodetectors recorded the amount of light reflected into the camera. A complete picture, or "image" of the surface was made by completing a vertical scan, and then rotating the camera slightly for the next scan.

This back-up camera was transferred from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory to the Museum in 1981.

 Display Status

This object is on display in Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.

Kenneth C. Griffin Exploring the Planets Gallery
Object Details
Country of Origin United States of America Type SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Instruments & Payloads Manufacturer ITEK Corporation
 Dimensions 3-D (Overall): 59.1 × 26cm (1 ft. 11 1/4 in. × 10 1/4 in.)
 Materials Resin Impregnated Fiberglass
Aluminum
Beryllium
Ferrous Alloy
Glass
Synthetic Fiber Fabric
Plastics
Paint
Electrical Wiring
Ink
 Inventory Number A19810661000 Credit Line Transferred from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Data Source National Air and Space Museum Restrictions & Rights Usage conditions apply
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