Sadly NASA Forgets Its Most Amazing Missions

"This is the first time in history where we're going to go to Mars with an explicit mission to find life on another world -- ancient life on Mars." Administrator @JimBridenstine discusses @NASAPersevere's upcoming astrobiological mission. #CountdownToMars pic.twitter.com/jx1psgmdS8 — NASA (@NASA) July 29, 2020

FYI @BettinaInclan contrary to statements by @JimBridenstine and others at @NASA the @NASAPersevere mission is *not* the first #NASA mission with the explicit goal of searching for life on #Mars. Two Viking landers did that in 1976. And yes - that's Carl Sagan. #astrobiology pic.twitter.com/ozVzx6IAxZ — NASA Watch (@NASAWatch) July 29, 2020

Viking Mission Overview, NASA

"NASA's Viking 1 and 2 missions to Mars, each consisting of an orbiter and a lander, became the first space probes to obtain high resolution images of the Martian surface; characterize the structure and composition of the atmosphere and surface; and conduct on-the-spot biological tests for life on another planet. Viking 1 was launched Aug. 20, 1975, and arrived at Mars on June 19, 1976. On July 20, 1976, the Viking 1 lander separated from the orbiter and touched down at Chryse Planitia. Viking 2 was launched Sept. 9, 1975, and entered Mars orbit Aug. 7, 1976. The Viking 2 lander touched down at Utopia Planitia on Sept. 3, 1976."

Viking Landing Sites, NASA press release 7 May 1973

"Project Viking seeks to advance significantly scientific knowledge of the planet Mars, with emphasis on determining if life once existed or is now present."

- Viking, NASA

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