Destination RED PLANET

(ONNtech) -- On Sunday May 25, 2008, NASA scientist anticipate the first glimpses of Mars from the Phoenix Lander. The Mars Phoenix Lander is a next generation space probe that will break the Martian atmosphere, traveling at thirteen-thousand miles-per-hour, before braking and crashing into the "Red Planet's" surface.

Scientist are optimistically hoping to discover some signs of present or prehistoric life from this excursion. But, finding life on Mars isn't NASA's first priority according to scientist Peter Smith.

Smith says, though, he remains optimistic about the mission, he is worried about the rough landing, which could damage the Lander and end the entire mission.

If successful, The Phoenix Lander will be a third-generation Martian probe to effectively transmit information back to earth, preceded by the Spirit and Opportunity rovers, which landed in 2003. View previous NASA Mars Missions >>