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Phoenix Mars Lander

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description Phoenix Mars Lander Overview

The Phoenix Mars Lander was a robotic spacecraft deployed by NASA under the Mars Scout Program to study the history of water and habitability potential in the Martian arctic. After touching down in the planet's north polar region in 2008, it used a robotic arm to dig trenches and conduct chemical analysis on the soil. The mission successfully confirmed the presence of water ice just beneath the surface, though it was not designed to detect life. Communication with the lander was lost later that year as solar power declined during the Martian winter.

help Phoenix Mars Lander FAQ

When and where did the Phoenix Mars Lander land?

Phoenix launched on August 4, 2007 UTC and landed on May 25, 2008, in Vastitas Borealis on the northern arctic plains of Mars. NASA lists November 2, 2008 as the end of the mission ([NASA](https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-phoenix/)).

Did Phoenix find water on Mars?

Yes. Its robotic arm dug into the soil and the mission confirmed water ice just beneath the surface. Phoenix was designed to study the history of water and the habitability of the Martian arctic, not to travel across the planet ([NASA history](https://www.nasa.gov/history/15-years-ago-phoenix-mars-lander-launches-to-the-red-planet/)).

What did Phoenix's robotic arm do?

The arm dug trenches, scooped soil and ice, and delivered samples to the lander's instruments. Phoenix also carried tiny ovens and a portable laboratory, allowing samples to be heated and analyzed on the lander deck ([NASA](https://science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-phoenix/)).

Was Phoenix a rover like Curiosity?

No. Phoenix was a stationary lander, so it examined the ground within reach of its arm instead of driving between sites. Its north-polar landing site made shallow subsurface ice and seasonal water questions the center of the mission ([NASA JPL](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/nasas-phoenix-spacecraft-lands-at-martian-arctic-site/)).

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