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Home / IAS Preparation / Science & Technology Notes / Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander

NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Mission – Launch Date, Status & Objectives

Last Updated on Jun 17, 2025
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From the amazing Apollo Moon landings that first put people on the Moon, to using the Hubble Space Telescope to look deep into the universe, NASA has always helped us learn more and go further than ever before. The agency is famous for its missions that study our Earth, other planets, and faraway galaxies. This work gives us vital information to help understand big issues like climate change, how planets are formed, and the mysteries of the stars.

NASA’s Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander is designed to investigate Mars, with hopes of unlocking critical data about its operational frameworks and scientific potential.

  • NASA’s Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander lifted off on September 9, 1975, embarking on a critical journey beyond Earth.  
  • The overarching objective driving this initiative is to Orbit Mars, deploy lander; complement Viking 1 science; achieving this will mark a significant milestone in space exploration and technological capability.  
  • Successfully completing this Mars orbiter and lander was celebrated by many as a significant achievement.  
  • The Titan IIIE-Centaur was selected because its specific capabilities were a good match for the tough requirements of this space mission. 
  • The mission began with a launch from Cape Canaveral, LC-41. 
  • Its total duration was Orbiter: ~2 years; Lander: ~35 years. 
  • The mission was conducted by NASA. 
  • Overall, the mission was Completed (Successful), meeting most of its objectives. 
  • NASA invested Part of $1 billion Viking program total in Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander, targeting new discoveries through advanced robotics and space instrumentation. 

Similar to Viking 1: cameras, spectrometers, biology experiment onboard Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander are set to revolutionize autonomous science operations during long-duration missions.

Mars soft landing, surface science, orbital remote sensing were essential to Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander, supporting navigation, real-time data analysis, and autonomous mission control. This comprehensive article on NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Space mission helps UPSC aspirants understand the full life cycle of a modern space mission which is relevant for GS Paper 2, GS Paper 3, GS Paper 4, and Essay.

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NASA Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Space Mission Overview 

Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander – Space Mission Profile for UPSC

Target Celestial Body

Mars

Launch Date

September 9, 1975

Objective

Orbit Mars, deploy lander; complement Viking 1 science

Mission Type

Mars orbiter and lander

Launch Vehicle

Titan IIIE-Centaur

Launch Site

Cape Canaveral, LC-41

Mission Duration

Orbiter: ~2 years; Lander: ~35 years

Agencies Involved

NASA

Mission Status

Completed (Successful)

Estimated Cost

Part of $1 billion Viking program total

Proposal Date

Late 1960s

New Instruments/Payloads

Similar to Viking 1: cameras, spectrometers, biology experiment

Key Technologies Used

Mars soft landing, surface science, orbital remote sensing

Also, Checkout Sunita Williams’ Missions to the International Space Station

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Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Space Mission Global Contributions

  • Martin Marietta (lander/orbiter), JPL (mission control) contributed essential systems and platforms that enabled timely delivery and advanced operational readiness for the mission. 
  • Through Extensive data archives publicly available, NASA facilitated global collaboration by making mission data accessible to scientists worldwide. 
  • With Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander, NASA’s innovative efforts led to Expanded understanding of Mars from a second location, reinforcing commitments to international space treaties. 

Global Collaboration & Strategic Impact

International Partners

N/A

Payload Contributions

N/A

Commercial Involvement

Martin Marietta (lander/orbiter), JPL (mission control)

Data Sharing Agreements

Extensive data archives publicly available

Impact on Global Space Policy

Expanded understanding of Mars from a second location
Checkout: Daily UPSC Current Affairs for your upcoming exam and get thorough with detailed Insights, Trends and Latest Developments for UPSC CSE Exam

Challenges & Risk in Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander Space Mission

A major obstacle during the execution of Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander involved Lander seismometer failed; power issues on lander, but it was effectively addressed through collaborative team efforts and reconfiguration of mission protocols.

  • Despite hurdles such as Complex landing sequence; landing site selection, Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander proceeded as planned with only minor adjustments. 
  • Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander has a defined environmental footprint, described as Orbiter and lander remain on/around Mars, which reflects its post-mission trajectory and impact. 

Operational Risks, Environmental Impact & Challenges

Risk & Mitigation Log

Complex landing sequence; landing site selection

Environmental & Sustainability Footprint

Orbiter and lander remain on/around Mars

Challenges Faced

Lander seismometer failed; power issues on lander

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Mission Timeline of Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander NASA Space Mission
  • The proposal for this mission was recorded on Late 1960s. 
  • The landing/flyby event occurred on September 3, 1976 (Lander separation and landing), and was closely monitored by scientists around the world. 
  • After months of successful operation, the mission team officially marked Orbiter: July 25, 1978; Lander: April 11, 1980 as the conclusion of the primary mission. 

Mission Timeline & Key Milestones

Proposal Date

Late 1960s

Critical Design Review (CDR) Date

N/A

Assembly Complete Date

N/A

Launch Date

September 9, 1975

Landing / Flyby Date

September 3, 1976 (Lander separation and landing)

End of Primary Mission Date

Orbiter: July 25, 1978; Lander: April 11, 1980

Get to Know the detailed UPSC Syllabus for IAS Prelims & Mains Exam!

UPSC Relevance of Viking 2 Orbiter/Lander
  • The Prelims syllabus integrates recent breakthroughs from NASA missions, emphasizing their impact on global scientific progress.
  • NASA’s contributions to global space policy and governance can be discussed under international relations in GS Paper 2.
  • In the UPSC CSE General Studies Paper 4 (Ethics, Integrity, and Aptitude), NASA’s practice of making satellite and mission data publicly accessible can be used to illustrate institutional commitment to transparency.
  • In the UPSC CSE Optional Papers, topics from NASA Space Missions are highly relevant across disciplines, offering insights into global cooperation, technological ethics, and environmental impacts—useful for Geography, PSIR, and Philosophy optionals alike.

Also, Learn about International Space Station (ISS)

Past UPCS Mains PYQs on NASA Space Missions

Q1. Launched on 25th December 2021, the James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor space telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race? (2022, GS Paper 3) 

Q2. How does the Juno Mission of NASA help to understand the origin and evolution of the Earth? (2017, GS Paper 1)

Q3. The safe landing of the ‘Curiosity’ Rover under NASA’s space programme has sparked many possibilities. What are those and how could humankind benefit from them? (2012, GS Paper 2)

Past UPCS Prelims PYQs on NASA Space Missions

Q1 [2022]: Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in the media?

(a) A hypersonic missile is launched into space to counter the asteroid approaching the Earth and explode it in space.

(b) A spacecraft lands on another planet after making several orbital motions.

(c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

(d) A spacecraft moves along a comet with the same speed and places a probe on its surface.

Answer: (c) A missile is put into a stable orbit around the Earth and deorbits over a target on the Earth.

Explanation: While this question pertains to a military concept, NASAs research into orbital mechanics and space trajectories contributes to the broader understanding of such technologies.

Q2 [2020]: “The experiment will employ a trio of spacecraft flying in formation in the shape of an equilateral triangle that has sides one million kilometres long, with lasers shining between the craft.” The experiment in question refers to:

(a) Voyager-2

(b) New Horizons

(c) Lisa Pathfinder

(d) Evolved LISA

Answer: (d) Evolved LISA

Explanation: Evolved LISA (Laser Interferometer Space Antenna) is a space-based gravitational wave observatory developed by ESA with contributions from NASA.

Q3 [2017]: What is the purpose of ‘evolved Laser Interferometer Space Antenna (eLISA)’ project?

(a) To detect neutrinos

(b) To detect gravitational waves

(c) To detect the effectiveness of missile defence system

(d) To study the effect of solar flares on our communication systems

Answer: (b) To detect gravitational waves

Explanation: Evolved Laser Space Interferometer Space Antenna (ELISA) project was widely in the news due to the discovery of gravitational waves by the LIGO detector and the subsequent success of the LISA pathfinder project. The European Space Agency is leading the ELISA mission. The project is initiated to detect and accurately measure gravitational waves.

Q4 [2016]: What is ‘Greased Lightning-10 (GL-10)’, recently in the news?

(a) Electric plane tested by NASA

(b) Solar-powered two-seater aircraft designed by Japan

(c) Space observatory launched by China

(d) Reusable rocket designed by ISRO

Answer: (a) Electric plane tested by NASA
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Explanation: GL-10 is a remotely piloted plane similar to an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). It is designed and developed in such a way that it can take off like a helicopter and fly like an airplane. It is a battery-powered 10-engine with a wingspan of 3.05 meters. Eight electric motors are mounted on the wings. 2 electric motors are mounted on the tail. It weighs a maximum of 28.1 kilograms at takeoff. Due to its versatile vertical takeoff and landing ability, it produces less noise. It can be used as a UAV for small package delivery or vertical takeoff and landing, as well as long-endurance surveillance for agriculture, mapping, and other applications. Its modified scaled-up version can be used as a persons air vehicle.

Q5 [2015]: The term ‘Goldilocks Zone’ is often seen in the news in the context of:

(a) The limits of habitable zone above the surface of the Earth

(b) Regions inside the Earth where shale gas is available

(c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

(d) Search for meteorites containing precious metals

Answer: (c) Search for the Earth-like planets in outer space

Explanation: The Goldilocks Zone is the livable zone around a star where the temperature is not too hot and not too cold for liquid water to exist on a planet. It is a metaphor for the childrens story Goldilocks and the Three Bears, in which a young girl selects from sets of three objects, eschewing the extremes (such as those that are enormous or small, hot or cold) and fixing on the one that is just right in the middle. The Goldilocks zone of the Sun surrounds the Earth. All of Earths water would freeze if it were found where the dwarf planet Pluto is; however, all of Earths water would boil out if it were found where Mercury is.

Also, Get to Know What was NASA's Parker Solar Probe Mission

UPSC Practice Questions on NASA Space Missions

Q1. Which space company has been selected by NASA to deliver cargo, experiments and other supplies to the agency's Gateway in lunar orbit?
1. Dragon-X
2. Blue origin
3. Astra space
4. Space X
Answer: Space X
Solution: NASA has selected SpaceX of Hawthorne, California, as the first U.S. commercial provider under the Gateway Logistics Services contract to deliver cargo, science experiments, and other supplies to the agency's Gateway in lunar orbit. The award is a significant step forward for NASA's Artemis program that will land the first woman and next man on the moon by 2024 and build a sustainable human lunar presence. At the Moon, NASA and its partners will gain the experience necessary to mount a historic human mission to Mars. SpaceX will deliver critical pressurized and unpressurized cargo, science experiments, and supplies to the Gateway, such as sample collection materials and other items the crew may need on the Gateway and during their expeditions on the lunar surface. This contract award is another critical piece of our plan to return to the moon sustainably, said NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine. The Gateway is the cornerstone of the long-term Artemis architecture and this deep space commercial cargo capability integrates yet another American industry partner into our plans for human exploration at the moon in preparation for a future mission to Mars.

Q2. The term MUSE is talked about in the context of
1. genes introduced in the genetically modified crops for the expression of pest resistant properties
2. a constellation of nine spacecraft that will capture the first multiscale in-space measurements of fluctuations in the magnetic field and motions of the solar wind known as solar wind turbulence
3. AI induced technique of identification of paw print of wildlife tigers under CA|TS
4. forces driving the heating of the Sun's corona and the eruptions in that outermost region that are at the foundation of space weather
Answer: option 4
Solution: Recently, NASA has selected two science missions - the Multi-slit Solar Explorer (MUSE) and HelioSwarm - to help improve our understanding of the dynamics of the Sun, the Sun-Earth connection, and the constantly changing space environment. The MUSE mission will help scientists understand the forces driving the heating of the Sun's corona and the eruptions in that outermost region that are at the foundation of space weather. The mission will offer deeper insight into the physics of the solar atmosphere by using a powerful instrument known as a multi-slit spectrometer to observe the Sun's extreme ultraviolet radiation and obtain the highest resolution images ever captured of the solar transition region and the corona. The HelioSwarm mission is a constellation or swarm of nine spacecraft that will capture the first multiscale in-space measurements of fluctuations in the magnetic field and motions of the solar wind known as solar wind turbulence.

Q3. Who among the following led the guidance, operations and control operations of NASA's Mission Mars 2020?
1. Swati Mohan
2. Anita Sengupta
3. Ashwin Vasavada
4. Kamlesh Lulla
Answer: Swati Mohan
Solution: Swati Mohan led the guidance, operations and control operations of NASA's Mission Mars 2020. She is an Indian-American aerospace engineer, the head of guidance, navigation and control operations at the NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory who recently landed the Perseverance rover on Mars. NASA has launched the Mars 2020 Perseverance Rover Mission to search for signs of ancient life and collect samples to send back to Earth recently. The mission has been launched recently on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The Mars 2020 has also sent its first signal to ground controllers via NASA's Deep Space Network after 4 hours of its launch.

Q4. Which of the following is/are correctly matched?
1. Hope Probe - Israel
2. Ingenuity Helicopter - NASA (USA)
3. Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) - India
4. Tianwen-1 - China
Answer: 1, 2, 3 only
Solution: India and Japan are working together on a joint lunar polar exploration (LUPEX) mission that aims to send a lander and rover to the Moon's South Pole around 2024. The Chinese experiment Tianwen-1 is the first mission to Mars from China, successfully underwent orbital insertion on February 10. Tianwen-1 carries an orbiter, a lander, and a rover. The rover is scheduled to land at Utopia Planitia, a location with possible ancient groundwater deposits. NASA's Perseverance rover and Ingenuity helicopter were launched as part of the Mars 2020 mission.

Q5. Consider the following statements:
1. ESA announced the results of its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission on 11 October 2022.
2. Terming the test successful, the agency said, the DART spacecraft succeeded in changing the asteroid's motion in space.
3. DART is a spacecraft designed to impact an asteroid as a test of the technology.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
1. Only 1
2. Both 1 and 3
3. Both 2 and 3
4. All 1, 2 and 3
Answer: Both 2 and 3
Solution: NASA announced the results of its Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) mission on 11 October 2022. Terming the test successful, the agency said the DART spacecraft succeeded in changing the asteroid's motion in space. DART is a spacecraft designed to impact an asteroid as a test of the technology. This is the first time humanity has altered the motion of a celestial body.

Q6. _______ has successfully launched the pulsar navigation satellite XPNAV-1.
1. India
2. China
3. USA
4. Japan
Answer: China
Solution: China successfully launched the pulsar navigation satellite XPNAV-1 in 2016. The satellite XPNAV-1 stands for X-ray pulsar navigation. It was launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center. The weight of the satellite is more than 200 kg and it operates in a Sun-synchronous orbit.

Q7. Curiosity rover, of which organization, found new evidence of an ancient lake in the form of rocks etched with the ripples of waves in the foothills of a Martian mountain?
1. ESA
2. NASA
3. Roscosmos
4. JAXA
Answer: NASA
Solution: US space agency NASA's Curiosity rover found new evidence of an ancient lake in the form of rocks etched with the ripples of waves in the foothills of a Martian mountain. The rover has found some of the clearest evidence of ancient waters. The evidence was found at an area called the sulfate-bearing unit. The Curiosity rover has been exploring the Martian surface since 2012. The sulfate-bearing unit is a region previously identified by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter as containing salty mineral deposits just beneath a 5500-meter mountain called Mount Sharp. According to NASA, Curiosity has attempted to extract samples from some of the rocks, but they proved too hard for the rover's drill.

Q8. Consider the following statements regarding Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope:
1. Its objective is to aid in the understanding of dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics.
2. It will be situated or parked in the Lagrange point.
3. Its field view will be greater than the Hubble Telescope.
Which of the above statements are correct?
1. 1 and 2 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 1 and 3 only
4. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: 1, 2 and 3
Solution: The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope or Roman Space Telescope is a NASA deep space infrared observatory. RST will help answer essential astrophysics questions about dark energy, dark matter, exoplanets, and infrared astrophysics. It is set to launch around 2026 or 2027. The mission is projected to last for five years. RST will be situated at Lagrange point 2, a stable gravitational point between Earth and the Sun. The primary mirror of the RST has a diameter of 2.4 meters, the same size as the mirror of the Hubble Space Telescope. It will have a field of view that is 100 times greater than the Hubble infrared instrument, capturing more of the sky with less observing time.

Q9. Which country's space agency has launched project DART Mission?
1. USA
2. Russia
3. India
4. China
Answer: USA
Solution: NASA's Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART), the world's first full-scale mission to test technology for defending Earth against potential asteroid or comet hazards, was launched from Space Launch Complex 4 East at Vandenberg Space Force Base in California. DART is the first-ever mission dedicated to investigating and demonstrating one method of asteroid deflection by changing an asteroid's motion in space through kinetic impact. DART is a joint project between NASA and the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory. NASA stands for National Aeronautics and Space Administration. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is an independent agency of the USA which is responsible for the civilian space program, aeronautics, and aerospace research. It was established in 1958 with headquarters at Two Independence Square, Washington, D.C., United States. Dwight D. Eisenhower was its founder.

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Also, Read about Axiom 4 Mission (Ax-4) for UPSC

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