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First Picture From the Surface of Mars

Black and white image shows Viking 1 footpad and rocks on the surface of Mars.

Photojournal: PIA00381

The first photograph ever taken on the surface of the planet Mars. It was obtained by Viking 1 just minutes after the spacecraft landed successfully landing on Mars in July 1976.

Viking 1's instruments were powered by two SNAP-19 RTGs.

Credit

NASA/JPL

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