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THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 2009
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Phoenix Samples Martian Dirt

Robotic arm tested prior to search for life

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(Newser) – The Phoenix Mars Lander grabbed a small sample of the fine soil of the planet's polar region yesterday. It was only a test "dig and dump"—using the spacecraft's 8-foot-long robotic arm—but paves the way for retrieving and analyzing samples of Martian soil later this week, reports the Arizona Republic.

The Phoenix Mars Lander's arm, lower right, in its protective covering called the biobarrier.
The Phoenix Mars Lander's arm, lower right, in its protective covering called the biobarrier.   (AP Photo)
An impression resembling a footprint left on Mars by the Phoenix lander's robotic arm on Touching the ground is the first step in a series of actions toward scooping up soil and ice.
An impression resembling a footprint left on Mars by the Phoenix lander's robotic arm on Touching the ground is the first step in a series of actions toward scooping up soil and ice.   (AP Photo/NASA)
The Martian surface close to the spot where the Mars Phoenix Lander touch down.
The Martian surface close to the spot where the Mars Phoenix Lander touch down.   (AP Photo)
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NASA • Mars • University of Arizona • Phoenix Mars Lander • life • robotic arm • Jet Propulsion Laboratory • Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer • TEGA

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