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Designing The Phoenix
The Phoenix was built by Lockheed Martin Space Systems in Denver, Colorado. Peter H. Smith from The University of Arizona Lunar and Planetary Laboratory was in charge of this project. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(spacecraft) -
Goals
The first goal of Phoenix was to see if water existed on Mars. The second goal of Phoenix was to see if the environment was suitable for microbial life. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(spacecraft) -
Landing On Mars
The Phoenix was launched into space on August 4, 2007 but did not land on Mars until May 25, 2008. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(spacecraft)The -
Mars Surface
The soil surface where Phoenix landed showed polygonal cracking. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(spacecraft) -
Finding Water
Phoenix's robotic arm started digging in the soil to collect a sample. The camera on its arm took a picture of what would later be identified as ice. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(spacecraft) -
The End
The Phoenix was declared dead after repeated attempts from the Mars Orbiter to detect activity. Images showed that the solar pannels had been damaged and were no longer working. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(spacecraft)
