Tag: LANDER

The inevitable has happened. Our friend, the loved and loving Mars Phoenix lander has gone quietly into that long, good night once and for all. Even though we joyfully joined the lander on its adventures as it Tweeted from beyond the stratosphere, and thrilled at its explorations, pitfalls, and pratfalls, try not to feel the familiar sting of humanity at the thought of our little robotic buddy ...

The first thing the news Mars lander Phoenix wanted to do when it reached the red planet was stretch its arm. (What do you typically do after a long flight?) This first step was hampered, though, by a radio communications glitch that delayed its activity for most of Tuesday. The glitch, however, was aboard the Reconnaissance, the Mars orbiter responsible for relaying data between the planet ...