The Viking’s 50 Year Landing Anniversary Astrobiology Special Collection: Reexamining the Revolutionary Impact of Viking on Mars Exploration

The NASA Viking Program laid the framework for Mars science, technology, and exploration. While the barren view of the Red Planet revealed by Viking was antithetical to the expectations of the planetary science community at the time, Viking was remarkable because it achieved numerous novel technical feats that continue to shape planetary robotic exploration today, integrating technical elements from disparate scientific fields, culminating in the scientific, engineering, and management achievements of over 2000 people. Over the last five decades, the results of the Viking science payload have led to vigorous debate within the astrobiology community on the burden of proof necessary to determine the detection of life, a necessary discussion that continues today. The future of missions designed to search for extant life will build upon the foundation laid by Viking, with a scientifically integrated, matured search-for-life strategy, one invigorated by technologists, engineers, and science communicators. As we celebrate the 50th anniversary of this groundbreaking mission, it is imperative that the scientific community reflects the Viking program’s foundational impact on planetary science and exploration. Looking to the future, we must consider the perspectives and lessons learned from Viking while working towards a long-term vision for continued astrobiological exploration of Mars and other planetary bodies.