Labels: text | screenshot OCR: VIKING 1 AND 2 A telescopic shovel makes it possible to collect LANDER EQUIPEMENT samples of the Martian soil. Samples are introduced into funnels for tests by various detection devices: - The X-Ray Florescence Spectrometer (XRFS) determines the composition of the Martian soil by irradiating a soil sample with iron-55 and cadmium-109. The x-rays produced are then analyzed. This device weighs less than two kilos and has an average energy consumption of 3.5 watts. The Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometer (GCMS) which studies the structure of large molecules. The sample is placed in an oven heated to 500 ℃, the molecules are them forced through a coil by a hydrogen stream. As they leave the coil, the molecules fall into order of increasing mass. In ten seconds, the device can measure all molecules with masses ranging from 12 to 200. The GCMS weighs almost 20 kilos and requires 60 watts of energy. Biological detectors. Contained within a thermostatic unit (meaning the temperature is maintained between 8º and 17º C) the lander's biological detectors are equipped to carry out three kinds of experiments. Their purpose is to find out if life exists on Mars-a primary goal of the Viking missions, and the reason the Viking flights excited such popular interest. MARS BETAT
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