First to Mars – Viking Precedents and Culture

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Abstract:
The Viking Missions were the foundation of Mars surface exploration, setting precedents not only with the first successful landing on Mars, but also with the organizational structure defined with precision and intention by LaRC, and myriad engineering innovations including the elements of what continues to be the optimal Mars EDL (entry descent and landing), and the most ambitious science investigations to date. What is not well known is the journey to get there, which has been meticulously reconstructed by Rachel Tillman, of The Viking Mars Missions Education and Preservation Project a 501c3
nonprofit dedicated to preserving and reconstructing the mission archives, artifacts, and history through hundreds of Oral history interviews with LaRC, Ames, JPL, KSC, Martin Marietta, and more, Vikings.  This talk shares not just some of these unique stories, but the immense influence Viking has on exploration, and how we continue to teach lessons of science, engineering, and leadership through a Viking lens.

Biography – Ms. Rachel Tillman:
Rachel Tillman grew up with Viking, her Father serving on the Science Team and later as the only NGO to take over a mission from NASA. Viking shaped her educational choices and she continues to support others mentoring and educating students (and adults) around the world. A passion that began when she helped her father create the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum exhibit “The Viking View of Mars” in 1982. She has been doing the work of preserving the mission ever since. Not only does she lead this work, but she has developed a framework for and is an expert on the emerging Space Archeology field, integrating technology into exhibits and educational experience.