Matt D.
05-19-2008, 07:11 PM
I know there are some people here interested in science and space so I thought I'd share this.
The Phoenix Lander will be making touchdown on Mars at the north pole on May 25th. Here's a short video of what will be going on. Pretty good production for a NASA video.
http://www.space.com/php/video/player.php?video_id=080514-pheonix-landing&plugin=
Basically, it takes 7 minutes for the craft to enter the atmosphere and reach the surface, but it takes over 10 minutes for radio signals to go between Mars and Earth. By the time NASA hears from the craft about its decent it will be over with, so the entire landing is all done automatically by onboard computers. Should be exciting.
The Phoenix Lander will be making touchdown on Mars at the north pole on May 25th. Here's a short video of what will be going on. Pretty good production for a NASA video.
http://www.space.com/php/video/player.php?video_id=080514-pheonix-landing&plugin=
Basically, it takes 7 minutes for the craft to enter the atmosphere and reach the surface, but it takes over 10 minutes for radio signals to go between Mars and Earth. By the time NASA hears from the craft about its decent it will be over with, so the entire landing is all done automatically by onboard computers. Should be exciting.