A 2009 analysis concluded that, while the possibility that Viking 1 had impacted Mars could not be ruled out, it was most likely still in orbit.

During this time, entry science experiments were performed by using a retarding potential analyzer, a mass spectrometer, as well as pressure, temperature, and density sensors.

[13] The landing rockets used an 18-nozzle design to spread the hydrogen and nitrogen exhaust over a large area.

[11] Since most of Viking's experiments focused on the surface material a more straightforward design would not have served.

[18] The Viking 1 lander touched down in western Chryse Planitia ("Golden Plain") at 22°41′49″N 312°03′00″E / 22.697°N 312.05°E / 22.697; 312.05[2][11] at a reference altitude of −2.69 kilometers (−1.67 mi) relative to a reference ellipsoid with an equatorial radius of 3,397 kilometers (2,111 mi) and a flatness of 0.0105 (22.480° N, 47.967° W planetographic) at 11:53:06 UTC (16:13 local Mars time).

It erected a high-gain antenna pointed toward Earth for direct communication and deployed a meteorology boom mounted with sensors.

The seismometer failed to uncage, and a sampler arm locking pin was stuck and took five days to shake out.

[13] The lander had two facsimile cameras; three analyses for metabolism, growth or photosynthesis; a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer; an x-ray fluorescence spectrometer; pressure, temperature and wind velocity sensors; a three-axis seismometer; a magnet on a sampler observed by the cameras; and various engineering sensors.

Attempts to contact the lander during the next four months, based on the presumed antenna position, were unsuccessful.

[22] In 2006, the Viking 1 lander was imaged on the Martian surface by the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter.

The robotic sampler arm successfully scooped up soil samples and tested them with instruments such as the Gas chromatography–mass spectrometer.

In addition, independent of the biology experiments, Viking carried a gas chromatograph-mass spectrometer that could measure the composition and abundance of organic compounds in the Martian soil.

"[28] Most scientists now believe that the data were due to inorganic chemical reactions of the soil; however, this view may be changing after the recent discovery of near-surface ice near the Viking landing zone.

Scientists found that the observed Shapiro delays of the signals matched the predictions of general relativity.