Two Viking Landers touched down on the surface of Mars in 1976. To prepare for the mission, Martin Marietta Aerospace built a set of proof test vehicles. These vehicles were used to test the lander design and hardware for the conditions the lander would face in flight, landing, and on the surface of Mars.
This protective cover belongs to the Viking Lander Proof Test Article. NASA transferred it to the Museum in 1978.
Display Status
This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.
Object Details
Country of Origin
United States of America
Type
SPACECRAFT-Uncrewed-Parts & Structural Components
Manufacturer
Martin Marietta Aerospace
Dimensions
3-D: 15.2 × 11.7 × 31.4cm (6 in. × 4 5/8 in. × 1 ft. 3/8 in.)
Materials
Aluminum
Steel
Paint
Adhesive
Plastic
Inventory Number
A19790215004
Credit Line
Transfered from NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory.
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.