Viking 1 and 2 Lander (Mars mission) Easter Egg - The Viking Project

The primary mission objectives of the Viking Project were to obtain high resolution images of the Martian surface, characterize the structure and composition of the atmosphere and surface, and search for evidence of life. On July 20, 1976 the Viking 1 Lander separated from the Orbiter and touched down at Chryse Planitia. The Viking 2 Lander touched down at Utopia Planitia on September 3, 1976.

The Viking Lander(s) were built by Honeywell in Florida. A plate was made containing the names of all of the people who worked on the project. The plate was reduced and attached to the inside of the Landers. So... the names of everyone on the project is now on Mars.

This was told to me by my father, John Branley, who was a project member/designer and has his name on Mars. There is a Viking Lander on display at the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC. I do not know if they would be willing to look inside for the plate.