From the ArcaMax Publishing, Science & Technology Newsletter:
http://www.arcamax.com/news/technology/s-347363-889852
PASADENA, Calif. (UPI) -- The U.S. space agency says its Phoenix
Lander is preparing to land on Mars and begin a three-month mission to
examine the planet's soil and buried ice.
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration said the lander is
scheduled to touch down May 25 on Mars.
"This is not a trip to grandma's house," said Ed Weiler, associate
administrator of NASA's Science Mission Directorate. "Internationally,
fewer than half (of similar) attempts have succeeded."
The space agency said Phoenix will enter the Martian atmosphere at
nearly 13,000 mph. In seven minutes, the spacecraft must slow to about
5 mph before its three legs reach the ground. Confirmation of the
landing could come as early as 7:53 p.m. EDT May 25, NASA said.
"The Phoenix mission not only studies the northern permafrost region
but takes the next step in Mars exploration by determining whether
this region, which may encompass as much as 25 percent of the Martian
surface, is habitable," said Peter Smith, Phoenix principal
investigator at the University of Arizona.
The Phoenix mission is led by Smith, with NASA's Jet Propulsion
Laboratory responsible for its management.