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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Main engines come up to full thrust. The main engines are nearly at 100% at T-minus one second. With the main engines at full thrust, the solids fire as the Delta II 7925-9.5 commits to flight.

 
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LIFTOFF! The tie-down bolts blown, the Delta II 7925-9.5, inches upwards on a pillar of smoke and flame.

 

 Delta II begins its ascent.
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Delta climbs skyward. Almost clear of the tower, the Delta II 7925-9.5 begins its boost phase on the Phoenix Mars Lander mission to the Red Planet. The Delta II begins its roll program.