Spacefans, Just take a moment here to look at the picture above and be still in contemplation.
This digital image was taken by the HiRISE camera (the most powerful camera ever flown in space (except for the HS telescope)) on board the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, in orbit around Mars. As I’m sure you’ve worked out, In it’s sights is Phoenix, on it’s parachute descending towards the Martian surface.
“Never, ever forget: we did this. This is what we can do.”
So it’s old news by now. Every cable news channel has been looping the footage because it’s been a slow news weekend. Phoenix landed, it was great, it worked, it sent back pictures.
I couldn’t help feeling a pang of nostalgia for the MER EDLs. The phoenix EDL was sharp, focused and professional, but it didn’t have any of that Wayne Lee flair or the Steve Squyres coolness. I hope they bring back the old team for the MSL Mission.
