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NASA Deploys Mars Probe's Robotic Arm

Radio glitch delays plan by 1 day

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted May 29, 2008 1:00 PM CDT

(Newser) – NASA’s Phoenix Mars lander extended its robotic arm for the first time late last night, the AP reports, a day late because of a temporary radio blackout. The arm, which will unfurl over a 2-day period, will eventually be used to take samples of ice below the surface in Mars’ arctic regions to search for evidence of life.

Team members, from left, Ed Weiler, Charles Elachi, Peter Smith and project manager Barry Goldstein conduct a news conference at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.
Team members, from left, Ed Weiler, Charles Elachi, Peter Smith and project manager Barry Goldstein conduct a news conference at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif.   (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
This May 26, 2008 approximate-color image provided by NASA captured by the Phoenix Mars Lander shows the vast plains of the northern polar region of Mars.
This May 26, 2008 approximate-color image provided by NASA captured by the Phoenix Mars Lander shows the vast plains of the northern polar region of Mars.   (AP Photo)
This approximate color image provided by NASA shows the view obtained on sol 2 (Tuesday May 27, 2008) by the Surface Stereo Imager (SSI) on board the Phoenix lander.
This approximate color image provided by NASA shows the view obtained on sol 2 (Tuesday May 27, 2008) by the Surface Stereo Imager (SSI) on board the Phoenix lander.   (AP Photo)
This image provided by  NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona.  shows the American flag and a mini-DVD on the Phoenix's deck, which is about 3 ft. above the Martian surface.
This image provided by NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona. shows the American flag and a mini-DVD on the Phoenix's deck, which is about 3 ft. above the Martian surface.   (AP Photo)
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