1987.235.1 a-b; Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library & Museum

1975 Viking Spacecraft and Lander Models

Artifact ID1987.235.1 a-b

Object Type Model

Date ca. 1976

Medium plastic, metal, wood, polish, brass

DimensionsOverall H 11 3/4 in x W 22 1/4 in x D 13 1/4 in (29.8 cm x 56.5 cm x 33.7 cm )

Physical Description(a,b) A white model of a spacecraft and a gray model of a lander are attached to a rectangular wooden base. In front of each model, there is a small rectangular metal plaque with horizontal text on it.
Historical NoteDr. James C. Fletcher, two-time administrator of NASA, gifted this model to President Gerald R. Ford on August 12, 1976. On August 20, 1975, Viking 1 orbiter departed Earth for the first successful U.S. mission to land a spacecraft on the surface of Mars. NASA’s Viking Project, comprised of Viking 1 and Viking 2, took photographs and collected data on the surface of Mars. They also looked for possible signs of life on the planet. On July 20, 1976, when the Viking 1 landed on Mars, President Ford called NASA to congratulate them. He said “I think it's amazing to think that in the span of a single lifetime, the exploration of air and space has grown from the dreams of a very, very few individuals to such a massive cooperative reality. We have gone from a flight of a few seconds and a few hundred feet for a yearlong journey to Mars, crossing some 440 million miles.”Additional Details

Custodial History NoteThe general public gifted the item to President Gerald R. Ford during his term in office. It was received through the Executive Office of the President and maintained there until its transfer to the National Archives in September 1981 for deposit with the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum.

National Archives Catalog CollectionGerald R. Ford Museum Collection (National Archives Identifier 620931)

National Archives Catalog SeriesPublic Gifts Given to President Gerald R. Ford (74639696)

Use Restriction Status Unrestricted

Use Restriction NoteReproduction or other use of these holdings or images thereof is unrestricted.

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Public Gifts