NASA’s Phoenix lander made if safely to the Martian surface and sent back its first images this evening. Since it takes over 10 minutes for the signal to get back to earth, you’re actually watching events that have already taken place. Still it’s pretty amazing just how well the landing went. The first images included some interesting shots of the local landscape. I love that in this connected age, the images were literally up on the Phoenix site minutes after they came down from the spacecraft.
Tag Archives: NASA
NASA – Phoenix lander to set down Sunday
NASA’s Phoenix probe is set to land on the surface of Mars on Sunday around 8:00p EST. The lander will be setting down in a polar region. The last probe to attempt that crashed. Let’s hope this one has better luck. The Phoenix mission is somewhat similar to the Viking mission of the 1970’s in that it is a stationary lander designed to sample the soil for signs of life, or the potential to support life. NASA will hold a briefing on NASA TV and online on Saturday and will be streaming video of the event live Sunday evening. I can’t wait!!