Phoenix EDL on Mars

[level_head]

In about two hours -- at 4:38 Pacific time -- the Phoenix lander is expected to touch down.

This is the EDL phase -- Entry/Descent/Landing -- that produces the "seven minutes of terror" among the Phoenix team members.

Comments

[mikesims10670]

Whats up with the green laser beam at the end?

[level_head]

The green beam is part of Phoenix's weather station. It is steerable, and is used to measure the amount of (and nature of) dust particles in the atmosphere.

Here's some details:Meteorological Station

[mikesims10670]

If there ever was a reason to be inspired - this is it! These are such exciting times to live in.

[level_head]

We have accomplished much, and space holds the key to completely solving our energy problems. I am hopeful.

We cannot do local engineering like NASA does far exploration -- but the fact that spaceflight can be done at all offers much promise.

===|==============/ Level Head

[sir_dave]

Five down, maybe six, successfully? Any minute now they will install traffic control systems ;)

[level_head]

On the ground successfully, though still waiting for deployment of solar panels at this moment.

Yes, the previous commission had been to set up a scrap yard for failed missions and their associated bits scattered across the surface.

But now it might be feasible to open a parking concession.

Interestingly, this craft only has a short time to do its thing before Northern Hemisphere winter sets in -- it will be buried (in CO2 ice). And it will not survive.

But between now and then, we hope to learn much, largely about Mars' water. We think we can reach water ice by digging with that arm.

===|==============/ Level Head

Actual Photo of Phoenix Landing

[mikesims10670]

Taken from the HiRise Mars Orbiter:

http://www.planetary.org/blog/article/00001464/
http://www.badastronomy.com/bablog/2008/05/26/best-image-ever/