Phoenix Spacecraft Heat Shield Deployment Test
In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, workers monitor the Phoenix spacecraft during a heat shield deployment test, with a firing of ordnance associated with the separation device. Phoenix will land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars and explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing is planned in May 2008 on arctic ground where a mission currently in orbit, Mars Odyssey, has detected high concentrations of ice just beneath the top layer of soil. Launch of Phoenix aboard a Delta II rocket is targeted for Aug. 3 from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida.
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Keywords
Details
NASA ID
KSC-07PD-1224
Date Created
May 16, 2007
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Photographer
NASA
Location
Payload Hazardous Servicing Faci
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