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Sticky Soil Foils Mars Work

Dirt is sticking to lander's arm, so NASA revising its methods

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Jul 28, 2008 8:19 AM CDT

(Newser) – NASA is revising its soil-harvesting method because the Phoenix Mars lander is having trouble with its icy finds, Space.com reports. The lander’s attempts to analyze the soil have been troubled because the soil is sticking to its scoop, stubbornly refusing to fall into the tiny oven designed to melt and study it. Next time, the scoop will dig less and vibrate more. NASA is studying the soil to see whether it could have ever supported life.

This artist rendition provided by NASA and the Jet Propulsion Laboratory shows the Phoenix lander on the arctic plains of Mars digging a trench through the upper soil layer. (AP Photo)

This image provided by NASA shows a view from NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander's Stereo Surface Imager's left eye after delivery of soil to the Thermal and Evolved-Gas Analyzer (TEGA) oven, June 6, 2008. (AP Photo/NASA)

This image provided by NASA shows the silver colored rasp protruding from NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander's Robotic Arm scoop. The scoop is inverted and the rasp is pointing up. (AP Photo/NASA)

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Sticky Soil Foils Mars Work

Dirt is sticking to lander's arm, so NASA revising its methods

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Dirt is sticking to lander's arm, so NASA revising its methods

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

NASA • Mars • Phoenix Mars Lander • ice

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

'You Might Be Able to Grow Asparagus' on Mars

'Flabbergasted' scientists see soil able to support life on red planet

Mars Through a Microscope

Phoenix takes unprecedented Mars shots

On Mars, 'Something That Looks Like Ice'

Phoenix probe sends home photos from arctic region

Mars Lander Falls Silent

Phoenix lacks the solar power to continue its mission

It's Snowing on Mars

Phoenix lander can't tell whether wet stuff is reaching ground

About Us

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Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

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