Viking landers thumb|Proof test article of the Viking lander thumb|Astronomer Carl Sagan stands next to a model of a Viking lander to provide scale Each lander comprised a six-sided aluminium base with alternate long sides, supported on three extended legs attached to the shorter sides. The leg footpads formed the vertices of an equilateral triangle with sides when viewed from above, with the long sides of the base forming a straight line with the two adjoining footpads. Instrumentation was attached inside and on top of the base, elevated above the surface by the extended legs.
Viking landers thumb|Proof test article of the Viking lander thumb|Astronomer Carl Sagan stands next to a model of a Viking lander to provide scale Each lander comprised a six-sided aluminium base with alternate long sides, supported on three extended legs attached to the shorter sides. The leg footpads formed the vertices of an equilateral triangle with sides when viewed from above, with the long sides of the base forming a straight line with the two adjoining footpads. Instrumentation was attached inside and on top of the base elevated above the surface by the extended legs.