Viking Missions to Mars Scott #1759

This 1978 stamp celebrates the 2nd anniversary of the first mission to land a spacecraft on another planet. This mission to Mars launched on August 20, 1975. The Viking 1 lander touched down on the western slope of Chryse Planitia (the Plains of Gold), while the Viking 2 lander settled down at Utopia Planitia. The landing happened on July 20, 1976. Although planned to only function for ninety days, the Viking 1 lander continued to operate until July 25, 1978.

This mission produced much scientific data and amazing photographs about the Martian atmosphere and the planet of Mars.

Issue Date: July 20, 1978 Scott #1759