KSC-07pd1617
KENNEDY SPACE CENTER, FLA. -- In the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility, the Phoenix Mars Lander spacecraft is prepared for illumination testing of its solar array panels. The Phoenix will be launched toward Mars to land in icy soils near the north polar permanent ice cap of Mars. It will explore the history of the water in these soils and any associated rocks, while monitoring polar climate. Landing on Mars 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. Phoenix is scheduled to launch Aug. 3 from Pad 17-A at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station . Photo credit: NASA/Kim Shiflett
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Details
NASA ID
KSC-07pd1617
Date Created
June 22, 2007
Center
KSC
Media Type
image
Location
Kennedy Space Center, FL
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