The Viking program was a series of space missions launched by NASA in the 1970s to explore the planet Mars. It consisted of two spacecraft, Viking 1 and Viking 2, which were designed to conduct detailed studies of the Martian surface and atmosphere. Each spacecraft included an orbiter and a lander, allowing them to capture images and analyze soil samples. The program's primary goals were to search for signs of past life and to gather data on the planet's geology and climate. The Viking landers successfully transmitted valuable information back to Earth, making significant contributions to our understanding of Mars and laying the groundwork for future exploration.