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The Viking 1 and 2 missions were both aimed at Mars. Each mission consisted of an orbiter and a lander. The orbiters captured images of the Martian surface from space and provided communications with the landers. The satellite section was equipped with a braking engine, fuel supply, solar panels, and communications antennas. The lander, weighing 1120 kg, rested on three supports and carried two radioisotope generators, control computers and various scientific instruments. Viking 1 was launched on August 20, 1975, using a Titan 3E rocket with a Centaur upper stage. The spacecraft consisted of an orbiter and a lander. After entering Mars' orbit, the orbiter captured images of potential landing sites, and then the Viking 1 Lander separated and touched down at Chryse Planitia. The orbiter continued to capture images after the landing. Viking 2, launched on September 9, 1975, using the same type of rocket, followed a similar mission profile. The Viking 2 Lander successfully landed at Utopia Planitia.
