Phoenix Mars Mission

[Spider]

The Phoenix Mars Mission is upon us, and I didn't see a thread for it. If there is one, sorry about that. It's due to land on Mars on May 25th. This landing is not like the others, they'll be using jets for a soft landing, something they've had problems with before. Hopefully all goes well. Below is the official site for the mission.

http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/

 

[James Bond]

Is there any word yet on what time they're estimating landing?

Edit: I just saw the countdown clock on the website. I guess they're going for a Sunday evening touchdown.

 

[flux_29]

-post deleted-

 

[Mark_Nguyen]

"Problems" with this landing method are relative. The viking landers in the 70s used a similar method with no serious issues. The previous mission which failed to land was likely a software glitch rather than thrusters failing or whatnot.

Looking forward to some pics of a new neighborhood on Mars!

Mark

 

[T J]

Can someone tell me why they decided to make this probe stationary instead of mobile. What if the discovery of the century is just out of reach?

 

[anais]

Can someone tell me why they decided to make this probe stationary instead of mobile. What if the discovery of the century is just out of reach?

From their FAQ:

Unlike the rovers, which were hunting for evidence of water at points along the Martian surface, the Phoenix lander knows exactly where to go to find water.

This water ice is probably spread fairly uniformly throughout the northern plains so the lander should be able to uncover ice wherever it lands.

It sounds a bit naive to assume uniformity of the ice, since after all there are no second chances. But I'm sure they know better than me.

 

[Paxil]

I believe another reason is that this mission was done MUCH cheaper. But this is exciting. Sounds like there is a possibility of life actually being discovered on Mars, even though they aren't playing up that aspect.

 

[Spider]

Today is the big day, we land late this afternoon!

 

[Outpost4]

I believe another reason is that this mission was done MUCH cheaper.

And weigh more. A more complex craft can be landed if it doesn't have to roam.

 

[Zachary Smith]

Today is the big day, we land late this afternoon!

[Leslie Nielsen] I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you. [/Leslie Nielsen]

 

[M'Sharak]

Can someone tell me why they decided to make this probe stationary instead of mobile. What if the discovery of the century is just out of reach?

From their FAQ:

Unlike the rovers, which were hunting for evidence of water at points along the Martian surface, the Phoenix lander knows exactly where to go to find water.

This water ice is probably spread fairly uniformly throughout the northern plains so the lander should be able to uncover ice wherever it lands.

It sounds a bit naive to assume uniformity of the ice, since after all there are no second chances. But I'm sure they know better than me.

The area was very thoroughly surveyed from orbit using radar, if I'm not mistaken, so they've got about the best information they can possess without having already gone there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Reconnaissance_Orbiter#SHARAD_.28radar.29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Express#Mars_Express_instruments
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MARSIS

 

[anais]

The area was very thoroughly surveyed from orbit using radar, if I'm not mistaken, so they've got about the best information they can possess without having already gone there.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Reconnaissance_Orbiter#SHARAD_.28radar.29
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mars_Express#Mars_Express_instruments
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MARSIS

Figures, or at least I should have figured.

 

[watermelony2k]

watch it live on nasatv

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

 

[Spider]

watch it live on nasatv

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

Yep, thats where I'll be watching it. My apartment complex is in the middle of swapping cable companys, and all I have until Wednesday is basic cable. So no Science Channel which is presenting this live, or NASA TV channel.

I'm glad NASA puts this out on the internet for us.

 

[T J]

watch it live on nasatv

http://www.nasa.gov/multimedia/nasatv/index.html

I'm soooo there!

 

[Capn Flukie]

Not a fan of Windows Media Player, but it offers full-screen, the link is in Other Viewing Options.

*crosses various appendages*

edit: *waves to Squiggyfm*

 

[Zachary Smith]

[Leslie Nielsen] I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you. [/Leslie Neilsen]

 

[TerriO]

[Leslie Nielsen] I just want to tell you both good luck. We're all counting on you. [/Leslie Neilsen]

Not a fan of repetition of the same good luck wish, but I'll agree that may the Fates be with Phoenix. Here's to the seven minutes of terror ending with a party.

 

[Spider]

* crosses fingers, toes, makes the cat do the same *

 

[TerriO]

Much as I respect the hell out of these guys for what they're doing, this mission isn't going to be nearly as public a success as Spirit and Opportunity have been. I don't think they've introduced us to a single member of the science team with half the personality of Steve Squyres or Rob Manning.

Then again, considering I've already named an explorer ship after Rob Manning, I might be a bit biased.