1978
USRA Headquarters moves from Houston to Columbia, Maryland.
January
The Institute's name is changed from Lunar Science Institute to Lunar and Planetary Institute.
January 19–20
The Caribbean Plate Workshop, focusing on the western Caribbean, explores such geological issues as plate tectonics and volcanology. The workshop generates a three-year study project focusing on geodynamics and volcanology.
February 6–8
The Workshop on Mars brings together Viking researchers to discuss igneous petrology and weathering processes on the Red Planet.
May 20
The U.S. Pioneer Venus Orbiter launches.
September 11–13
At the Workshop on Experimental Approaches to Comets, researchers discuss observational and modeling techniques and the Comet Rendezvous mission.
November 14–17
At the Workshop on How to Explore for Lunar Resources, representatives from government, universities, and industry discuss concepts of lunar resource utilization, particularly in situ instrument needs.
December 21
Venera 12 enters the Venus atmosphere and lands on the surface.