VL1/VL2 MARS LABELED RELEASE V1.0

The basic analysis cycle for the Labeled Release experiment was to deliver a sample of martian soil to one of four test cells, seal the cell and moisten the soil with an aqueous solution of carbon-14 labeled organic media. A second nutrient injection was typically done about 7-8 Mars days after the first injection.

The test cell was continuously monitored for the release of radioactive labeled gas as an indicator of heterotrophic metabolism. Viking Lander 1 (VL1) conducted four analysis cycles with two nutrient injections for cycles 1, 2, and 4 and three injections for cycle 3. Viking Lander 2 (VL2) conducted five analysis cycles.