Phoenix was a fantastic success, congrats NASA.

What I don't really get is how come the craft's electronics can withstand months of flight in the frigid cold of inter-planetary space and yet not withstand however many months the Martian winter will last?

I'm also unable to understand how come the solar panels are left horizontal (which will mean a heavy ice build-up and them cracking or breaking off, apparantly).
Why can't they be folded away or into a config that leaves them safe, or much safer, from ice build-up?
They folded out once whats so difficult about making them fold away or tilt to vertical?

Why not design the craft to last longer, surely it can't be that much more expensive - at least compared to now having to send a brand new craft to continue the work?

The unit was not 'functional' during the flight. It was fully charged and had not been stressed, except thermally in a static downed state.

A MUCH different situation from trying to revive a heavily discharged active system from sleep whose active systems- icluding the live power system has been stressed - and whose efficiency is temperature sensitive.

And regarding the wings, you still have the issue of powering the unfolding of them from a est state after a LONG period of stasis in an extrremely cold environment that stresses the BEST of battery systems - and you have no source of 'passive' radiant power with the wings folded.

Ever let a car sit for an extended period of time and then tried to start it?

And the reasons: cost benefit analysis.

So, The Little Engine That Could is finally gone. Sad, that. And because of batteries. It needed the Energizer Bunny. :) However, it's pretty clear that this particular piece of hardware was very well designed and engineered.

how does one delete a comment?

The best you can do (if you're not an admin) is to edit it and remove everything, then press Submit. Or put (deleted comment).

Just keep posting your absurd BS. The mods will take care of it for you.

And NOW it asks.

You could have saved us all the trouble by not posting your asinine drivel from the onset.

Duh? Gee I had no idea Ice is made from water, or that ice is H20. Being the bright boy you are, you should have understood, that I was addressing water. not ice. not gas, but water. Again, let me be clear this time: THERE IS NO WATER ON MARS. Can that be any clearer? Mr. or Ms Hall9000 made the statement that WATER was found on Mars. It was not. Water was not found on Mars. Water Ice was found a long time ago, and just recently verified as being on the planet. The point is, that people are so ready to accept what they read and/or hear. If it is nonsense makes no difference. "Water Found on Mars" does that sound like the truth? Does that sound like water ice found on mars? Or does it sound like fluid H20 was found? I could be wrong here, but if someone knew nothing of Mars, and read that water was found on it, I am pretty sure they would think of fluid water before Ice. And “soil” on mars? No way. Look up ‘soil’ It is a mixture of organic and inorganic materials that can sustain Biological growth. Rigolith is what is on Mars, but people continue to use the term soil to help indoctrinate the impressionable minds of the ignorant into thinking that the crud on mars, is akin to our soil. Damn. It is late, and I am OUT OF BEER!

And being the bright boy that YOU are, you should have understood that replying to an actual comment makes your comment meaningful. Posting it out of sequence just makes it useless.

What a complete idiot...

Hell. what kind of beer do you drink? That way I'll avoid it.

So, like you said, it is true that it was ice that was found. Ice made of water, not dry ice. THAT, my friend is what was so important to determine. The TYPE of ice is what made this so important. Yes, I know damn well I'm repeating myself but that's how crucial it was for N.A.S.A to find out. Ice turned into water means a planet we can explore without bringing our own water. It also means we can grow food there because of that water. Then there is the fact that water can be split into components that can be used for rocket fuel. This means we don't need to bring extra fuel to come back to Earth. Also it means a source of oxygen for breathing.

As we all know, where there is ice there is water. Just dig deep enough and you will find melted ice! Simply because of, if not because of the pressure of the rock on the ice, then heat coming from the core of the planet. Go read a book on geology and learn how a planet works.

"Again, let me be clear this time: THERE IS NO WATER ON MARS. Can that be any clearer? Mr. or Ms Hall9000 made the statement that WATER was found on Mars. It was not. Water was not found on Mars."

Let me be LOT clearer. WATER ICE is water. Your assumption that the use of the word water means liquid is just your assumption. Believe it or not many people actually know more than you. Even use words in ways you don't comprehend. Yes the article is written in such a way as to imply the author is even more intellectually deprived than you. Nevertheless most people that read articles about Mars do understand that the water is in a solid state.

"Or does it sound like fluid H20 was found? I could be wrong here, but if someone knew nothing of Mars, and read that water was found on it, I am pretty sure they would think of fluid water before Ice."

The question is how many ways are you wrong. Not only do you make unwarranted assumptions about how others think you also are ignorant about evidence of water in a liquid state on Mars during the last decade. Early images in some areas have had no signs water erosion and later images of the same area showed signs of water erosion. Thats evidence of liquid water.

Get a clue or get less beer before posting.

As far as just the logic of what you are dribbling out, you are so off base. For the argument of H20 being on mars, then we agree. It is a wonderful thing. yea! However, when Mr. hall9000 wrote, there was 'water' on Mars' he was wrong. Anyone who thinks that is also wrong. This is supposed to be a News publication, dealing in facts. Facts are what educate. I repeat, this is a News publication, presumably directed at the general population, not exclusively to the herein elite minded folks. So with that in mind, SOMEONE may read that there is water on mars, and not being as bright as you folks, may actually read the word ‘water’ and believe it is indeed water. (the nerve of some people, not being able to extrapolate hidden and implied meanings. UGH!!) Fact is, there is no water on Mars. There is Water Ice on Mars, but the is no Fluid water on Mars. Anyone who thinks there is, is a fool. Granted, water can be made on mars, but is currently non-existent on Mars. If we follow that line of logic, that we can change the H20 into what we need, then don’t be surprised when all the incompetents in Arizona, start proclaiming the abundance of Oxygen on mars. (See how that works? Since Oxygen is present in Carbon Dioxide, and that is like the biggie on mars, then why not say, since we can make Oxygen from Co2, then GLORY HALILUYA!! THERE IS A BREATABLE LIFE GIVING ATMOSPHERE ON MARS! (now this is where the bright people will extrapolate, and assume that it will have to be made from things found naturally on mars. Not that it is ready to breath now).
How far are you willing to go? With all there is on Mars, and if we take enough gadgets, there is not a lot on Earth that is not on Mars. But, here is where you and I differ.
Yes, there is a lot of potential to make stuff, but that is not the same, as it already being there made, and waiting for us.

Caution!! Logic to follow!

1-Water Ice is Water Ice Water Ice is NOT Steam, Water Ice is NOT water

2- Water is Water Water is NOT Steam, Water is NOT Water Ice

3-Steam is Steam Steam is NOT water, Steam is NOT water ice

If you think otherwise, allow me to get you a glass of water.

"owever, when Mr. hall9000 wrote, there was 'water' on Mars' he was wrong. Anyone who thinks that is also wrong. "

Sorry that you have a comprehension problem. Water ice is water. Your claiming otherwise does not change chemistry.

"I repeat, this is a News publication, presumably directed at the general population, not exclusively to the herein elite minded folks."

Yet another sign of incomprehension. This is Betanews. Its aimed at technology geeks. Not the general public. Whether that constitutes elite or not is irrelevant. It does constitute a better educated than average group. However it also has a lot more 14 years that think they know everything that is normal in the general population.

"(See how that works? Since Oxygen is present in Carbon Dioxide, and that is like the biggie on mars, then why not say, since we can make Oxygen from Co2, then GLORY HALILUYA!! THERE IS A BREATABLE LIFE GIVING ATMOSPHERE ON MARS!"

Neither I nor the anthropomorphist that the wrote the article are responsible for the stupidity of others(the writer is only responsible for terminal cuteness).

"
1-Water Ice is Water Ice Water Ice is NOT Steam, Water Ice is NOT water"

Actually water ice is water. Water steam is also water. Water has three phases. Solid, liquid and gas. All are water. Plasma is right out. If someone claims a plasma with oxygen and hydrogen is water than you can safely say they are full of it.

"If you think otherwise, allow me to get you a glass of water. "

Fine. I can use it in either liquid or solid form. If you manage to get a glass of gaseous water I will pass on that though I will be impressed.

Now for a link to information you seem to be ignorant on rather than just obdurate about.

http://www.smm.org/buzz/...theres_growing_evidence

"Comparing photos of portions of Mars first photographed in 1999 and 2000 and then reshot in 2004 and 2005, researchers have found gullies in two spots that are part of the second series of photos, but not the first."

Of course it may not have been water. One idea is liquid CO2. That seems just a tad less likely than liquid water to me but I could be full of. Wouldn't be the first time.

Think on this. What do you call liquid iron? Could it be iron?

Ethelred

ok, this explains it all:

http://community.webshot...12298780035798993cNzsHK

If you have the time and the means, next time you are in Orlando, take the 45 minute drive to the Kennedy Space Center.

"Still, NASA managers had hoped to eek out a few more weeks of performance from the craft."

Eek! A spacecraft! (LOL)

The word you wanted is "eke." Use a frickin' dictionary for crying out loud.

"it will be left to MANKIND to decide if it has the COURAGE or not to take the next step" isn't that over the top a bit? sort of dramatically stating the obvious?
You could have thrown in a “to boldly go where no one has gone before”?

Dude(tte), learn to use the "edit comment" button. No need to post in 5 separate comments like that.

thanks

Well, regardless of where the rover went, it is readily apparent that you are terrified to get too close to logic.

You, and your ramblings about what you know about what is, and is not on Mars, has proven my point. You have been filled with so much nonsense, that what you regurgitate, is nothing more than the CRAP you have been fed. No water was found on Mars. Water Ice was verified, not discovered and was melted into water inside the bowels of our beloved machine. Outside our beloved machine, ice went to gas without passing through the water state. We have known for years of water ice at the north polar region. Nothing new there. Thank you for explaining without words, why no one else is concerned that this 'news' site is offensively tilted to the romantically absurd. No water was found on mars. Science use to be,” let’s go see. “ Now it is “let’s go try and prove our point of view and beliefs.”

"You have been filled with so much nonsense, that what you regurgitate, is nothing more than the CRAP you have been fed. No water was found on Mars. Water Ice was verified, not discovered and was melted into water inside the bowels of our beloved machine."

Now that is crap. Water ice is water. As in H2O. The question about water on Mars is whether life was possible and whether men can live there in the future without importing water. There is ice now. Therefor there had to be water in the past. The erosion on Mars shows not only that liquid water was there but is occasionally there still, based on changes over time in images taken by the orbiter.

What is this problem you have with the probe? Its part of the study of Mars. That you aren't interested in that is understandable. Some people just don't like science. Many Americans think its a reasonable use of tax money.

Now your problem with the style of the article is reasonable. Its silly at best. That doesn't make the water on Mars disappear. Time does that. Not enough time has passed for it all to go. Its true that the orbiters showed it had to be there in the past. It takes a lander to show that is still there.

So many words, so little sign of intelligence.

Is this Comedy Central or BetaNews???

Anyway. Phoenix has finally given us scientific proof that there is something even more important than gold on Mars, water. That alone is more than worth the money spent on this project. It will be left to mankind to decide if it has the courage or not to take the next step and go to Mars. As for writing off Phoenix I wouldn't be so sure. I know that I'll be watching the next Martian spring ro see if it comes back to life. If it does I wouldn't be surprised, especially after having seen two rovers last a lot more longer than anyone ever expected. Also, add to this the fact that we do have two probes moving out of the solar system alive and well thank you very much. And those two were based on 60s technology!

'It's main mission' damn, now tools have missions. We don't, NASA doesn't, but a chunk of metal sitting on Mars does. I wonder, if it knows it has or had a mission. maybe a good reason for failing, is that too many thought it could understand what it's mission was. And, it also was sent to explore. Umm we weren't using it to explore, rather it was doing the exploring? Maybe this is just a way for the incompetent people in Arizona to get out of any responsibility for failure. They didn't fail, it was the Lander that failed.

You have so much to say and so little of it has any value. For someone who doesn't like this article, you sure want to make sure we notice your dislike. Is this diarrhea of your mind?

And it doesn't matter what name is given to a style of writing, or word usage. If it is crap, then it is crap. Using the words "Long may it rest in peace" when talking about a hunk of hardware, is just that, CRAP

Like the piece she wrote, this whole mission accomplished nothing. That is Unless you want to romanticize the term Rigolith with the word soil, to lure mind numb fools into thinking there is more to this whole mars thing than just a vain attempt at locating something other than what is there. “Death, rest in peace, soil”, all this crap is just that. CRAP. A subtle misleading of young minds into a fancy world where the impossible is possible. A machine is just that. Nothing more. A tool. something to use and discard. Damn, that reminds me, tomorrow I am holding services for my washing machine. It like this whole stupid subject, and the sympathetic bas****s who defend such literary crap, has died. Instead of flowers, please send nuts and bolts to the Left wing wacko of your choice.

When are they going to finally put a squeegee system on the solar panels? I know the dust storm makes it impossible to charge when it is in the atmosphere, but still... c'mon guys, give a little robot a helping hand. :)

Squeegee?
That's the least of its problems!

Those damned NASA scientists are denying the rights of the two robots to marry by intentionally keeping them apart in what can only be described as a Martian electro-mechanical slavery ring!

Not to mention that the courts have ruled that even the folks in Guantanamo are entitled to better environmental conditions and limitations on being kept in isolation!

Where is the humanity!?!?!

I say we boycott NASA until they show compassion for robots everywhere and let the little things marry. (and at least give the little naked robots some clothes! Or at the very least, some shoes!)

After all, descrimination is wrong - whatever its forms!

Its been a long time since I have been so distraught and cried so hard and long...

Where is the humanity!?!?!

Surely you meant "Where is the probity!?!?!" ?

It's amazing with the proper funding, our Government can do anything. $428 Million!

Yet, if you give that same $428 Million, they can't pave a road to save their life!

NASA, I NEED SOME NEW STREETS / ROADS!

Have you ever noticed that NASA is the National Aeronautics and Space Administration? Talk about your roads with your state and local governments. The Feds work mostly on the Interstates. Well the Feds payed for the paving of the Road to Nowhere. For less than 428 million.

We learn stuff from NASA. Well some of us do. Others have obdurate minds.

HOW AMAZING IS IT THAT OUR GOVERNMENT CAN SPEND MORE THAN 2 MILLION A DAY ON ONE OF MANY NASA PROJECTS . KISS YOUR ------- GOODBYE. GOVERNMENT OUT OF CONTROL

Lose the caps, genius.

Jacqueline Emigh should stop writing for her ego. No one cares the thing can no longer function.

Dude, seriously... It's called anthropomorphism and is frequently used by journalists, writers, and even forum trolls to lead the reader into a more emotional response.

It's common. It's a literary device that is taught in schools around the world, ffs.

You're the only one here comparing taking offense to it for whatever reason.

I'll admit that I am one of the biggest critics of Jac's articles, but this one was actually *good*. (No offense, Jac...don't mean to lure you into thinking this might become a habit of mine) ;)

What do you mean? I find this very informative and don't see anything specific to the ego of the writer. Please elaborate.

"No one cares the thing can no longer function."

Who's this no one? I would think NASA would care, at the least. Can't you think of anyone but your stupid, retarded self?

‘Death’ ‘passed away’ ‘revive’
Why all the references to this thing being alive?
It seems scientists give more reverence to a machine being alive or dead , than they do to unborn humans.
You guys really piss me off.

You guys really piss me off.

Don't let the door hit you on your way out.

Those damn Martians did it!

Of course you know...this means war!

The Phoenix also discovered perchlorates, a type of chemical that can act as food for some microbes, but that can also be toxic to life in high doses.

Yup, they've got WMDs!

Never mind...at fist glance I thought you said they had STDs...

;-)

I sorta hate the idea that they may change our perception of Mars as anything other than the image of Marvin the Martian from the Warner Bros Bugs Bunny cartoons... ;-)

Now, if only they had oil up there on Mars..... We have to liberate Mars!!!!! [smiles]

Well land mines anyway.