Many years ago, I was between jobs, but was asked about the type of vehicle to land on Mars. It was discussed and the Viking Mars landing was based on the Apollo control system and the legs changed their height to take up the rocks so that the vehicle stayed upright. I was also asked about the chromatography experiment to detect any organic chemicals present. I think we decided on a folded tube with an oven that rose in temperature. The actual design of the chromatograph was by Marconi.
My life has been plagued by psychiatrists. They are absolutely mad.
Chris.