Although it was only designed for a ninety-day surface mission; the Viking 1 lander ultimately transmitted science messages to Earth for seven years. This authoritative history chronicles the remarkable achievements of the Viking program during its first three decades. Commissioned by NASA; it recounts the events surrounding the first planetary landing on Earth's closest neighbor and the first on-site search for evidence of extraterrestrial life. It also portrays a human drama in which thousands of professionals from government; industry; and academia joined together to accomplish the seemingly impossible. This history begins with a survey of the qualities that make the surface and atmosphere of Mars prime targets for scientific investigation. A retrospective of NASA's Mariner program follows; detailing the series of robotic interplanetary probes that led to the initiation of the Viking program in 1968. The authors trace the ensuing technological developments; including the first lander vehicles and orbiter. They also profile the cooperation of managerial; technical; and scientific teams during the mission's data-gathering and analysis phases. The final chapters outline the scientific results of the Viking investigations; examine some of the unresolved questions; and consider possible future explorations.
#757826 in Books 2016-05-03 2016-05-03Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.70 x 1.30 x 5.50l; .0 #File Name: 1492631329432 pages
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Leading to Revolution. . . .By Steven PetersonA view of the pre-Revolution events that led to the Revolution. . . . This book covers the period from 1773-1775. These years began to provide the momentum for Revolution.This book does a very fine job of providing detailed discussion of key events. We have all heard of the Boston Tea Party. The volume provides a great deal of information about this. We learned of the decision making process and the role of Boston's leaders. The background of the Party is nicely told.The march of the British forces to Lexington and then Concord; the ultimate target; to take colonial armaments. Much detail; one gets a very good perspective on the background for English General Gage's decision to move ahead. We learn of the role of the colonials' responses to the mission of the infantry as they marched toward Concord. Then the bloody retreat of the British troops; as they moved toward the safety of Boston.Aftermath? A siege of Boston by colonial militia and the resulting logistical problems. Side stories include the roles of the Green Mountain Boys and Benedict Arnold in taking Fort Ticonderoga and the potential of its artillery and powder.In the end; a well constructed work. . . .1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. but it read like a storyBy David CampbellThis book was full of the facts that one would expect to read about; but it read like a story. Very easy reading and quite interesting. I recommend it to everyone.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. They both love it. They say it is the most interesting ...By CustomerI bought this for my parents. They both love it. They say it is the most interesting read for revolutionary war.
