'Phoenix' to land at Mars' north pole, first go through the terrifying 7 minutes

by crazyhr on 2008-05-24 09:13:16

The American "Phoenix" Mars Lander is expected to land near the Martian North Pole on the 25th.

If it lands successfully, the Phoenix will analyze samples of the ice layer beneath the Martian surface. The data obtained will be used to determine whether liquid water and organic compounds, which are necessary conditions for life, have ever existed on Mars.

As the Phoenix's landing time on Mars approaches, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has disclosed more details about this interstellar exploration mission.