Same problem as early landsat images. Black and white sensors were never calibrated for sensitivity to red, blue, ir, or known frequencies where other data existed - if they were, (say on test models in storage) then missing data (like green) can be estimated by subtraction from black and white values.

Back processing is the only way that historical land data will be assembled for the Earth.

I agree completely with you on the research value of lander images cut over to a standard white light source spectrum - now if someone would only define the standard white values. The problem here is that the images are seldom identified as color corrected, thus leading some individuals (ahem) to adopt false impressions as to overall environment.

Super-resolution techniques could have been apllied to the Viking data sets a long time ago. While the new orbiters have obviated the need for this to be done to the orbital data sets, improvement and analysis of the lander sets are essential to our understanding of the processes of Mars.

A final big problem is cutting finished orbital data over to standand ground co-ordinates, or even defining standard ground co-ordinate dimensions, like say 5 meter by 5 meter for detailed planetary sets. This lack of a standard co-ordinate system has severely limited Earth observation satellites effectiveness, but there are defense concerns here, particularly with the programming of cruise missiles.

With all the babbling about nanotechnology, most people are completely ignorant as to the current importance of photonics to US industry.

good luck,
ep