Mars Signal is Back

NASA reported that the Phoenix Mars lander suffered a one day delay caused by a communications glitch that was repaired late Tuesday night. With communications restored, commands to deploy the Phoenix's robotic arm were able to be uploaded to the probe on Wednesday.

Despite the glitch in the communications, the Phoenix seems to be performing well according to NASA's mission specialists. Project Manager Berry Goldstein was reported as saying that the craft is experiencing excellent "health".

Now the goal will be to unstow the scoop-tipped robotic arm, which is expected to take place on Wednesday afternoon. This task will involve moving the scoop towards the arm with the wrist joint. It will release a spring-loaded pin that kept the arm restrained during the launch of the craft and the landing on Sunday. This robotic arm is a very critical component of the Phoenix.