Phoenix Mars Polar Lander

Phoenix will be the first mission to touch water-ice on Mars. Its robotic arm will dig to an icy layer believed to lie just beneath the surface. The mission will study the history of the water in the ice, monitor weather of the polar region, and investigate whether the subsurface environment in the far-northern plains of Mars has ever been favorable for sustaining microbial life.

 

 

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PhoenixLg Phoenix_01 Phoenix_02
Phoenix technician prepares to install the final components before the Mars lander is closed for flight. Phoenix in its aeroshell Shown is the cruise section of the spacecraft. It supports the status of Phoenix on it's 7 month voyage.

 
Phoenix_03 Phoenix_04 Phoenix_05
The Phoenix Mars Polar Lander heat shield. Close up of the heat shield. The symbols are used to align the heat shield with the aeroshell. As the light of the day fades, technicians prepare to retract the Mobile Service Tower for the Phoenix Mars Lander mission.

 
Phoenix_06 Phoenix_07 Phoenix_08
The Mobile Service Tower at Pad 17A retracts to reveal the Delta II 7925-9.5 vehicle for the Phoenix mission. Seen through its mobile Service Tower as humidity condenses to fog around the upper structure, Delta II-Phoenix awaits its voyage to Mars. Main engine start.