What went wrong X: Unlimbering Viking´s scoop: There was no assurance on this first of its kind mission that nothing would go wrong. When it did, the experts were ready

Layman and scientist alike have been favorably impressed by the magnificent photos and other data returned from the surface of Mars this past summer. Though the unmanned Viking 1 orbiter/lander has proved a major success, several serious difficulties were encountered in deploying the lander´s surface-sampler arm. However, in each instance the earth-based Viking flight team analyzed the problem and then devised a program of corrective commands that allowed important scientific experiments to continue on schedule.