# Phoenix

> robotic spacecraft on a space exploration mission on Mars under the Mars Scout Program

**Wikidata**: [Q129091](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q129091)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Phoenix_(spacecraft))  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/phoenix

## Summary
Phoenix was a robotic spacecraft and lander tasked with exploring the surface of Mars as part of the Mars Scout Program. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin and launched aboard a Delta II rocket, it successfully landed in Mars' Green Valley on May 25, 2008. The mission concluded after the spacecraft lost signal on November 2, 2008, and was officially terminated in May 2010.

## Key Facts
- **Classification:** Robotic spacecraft and lander (uncrewed, telerobotic control).
- **Program:** Part of the NASA Mars Scout Program.
- **Manufacturer:** Lockheed Martin.
- **Launch Date:** August 4, 2007, at 09:26:34 UTC.
- **Launch Vehicle:** Delta II (specifically the D325 configuration).
- **Launch Site:** Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A.
- **Landing Date:** May 25, 2008.
- **Landing Location:** Green Valley, Mars (Coordinates: 68.22°N, 125.75°W).
- **Mission End:** Loss of signal occurred on November 2, 2008; mission termination declared on May 24, 2010.
- **Identifiers:** COSPAR ID 2007-034A; NAIF ID -84.

## FAQs
### Q: When did the Phoenix lander arrive on Mars?
A: Phoenix landed on Mars on May 25, 2008, in a region known as Green Valley.

### Q: What rocket was used to launch the Phoenix mission?
A: The spacecraft was launched aboard a Delta II rocket (configuration D325) from Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A on August 4, 2007.

### Q: When did the Phoenix mission end?
A: The mission effectively ended when a loss of signal occurred on November 2, 2008. NASA officially declared the mission terminated on May 24, 2010.

## Why It Matters
The Phoenix mission represents a critical chapter in the exploration of Mars, serving as a primary component of the Mars Scout Program—a program designed for lower-cost, highly focused scientific missions. As a robotic lander manufactured by industry leader Lockheed Martin, Phoenix demonstrated the capability to perform precise entry, descent, and landing maneuvers in the northern polar region of Mars (Green Valley).

The mission is notable for its operational lifecycle, which provided data back to Earth for several months following its 2008 landing before the harsh Martian winter conditions likely caused the loss of signal. The mission's lifecycle—from its 2007 launch to its 2010 official termination—offers a complete case study in robotic extraterrestrial exploration. Additionally, the mission maintained a significant public presence, notably through a verified Twitter account (@MarsPhoenix) which accrued over 250,000 followers, highlighting the growing role of social media in real-time space exploration outreach.

## Notable For
- **Mars Scout Program Participation:** Served as a key exploration mission under this specific NASA program.
- **Northern Polar Landing:** Successfully landed in Green Valley, a specific target zone on Mars.
- **Verified Social Media Presence:** Operated a verified Twitter account (@MarsPhoenix) with over 246,000 followers as of 2023, serving as a direct line of communication for the mission.
- **Delta II Launch:** Utilized the Delta II launch system, a workhorse of the era.
- **Precise Landing Coordinates:** One of the few missions to specifically target and land in the high latitude region of 68.22° North.

## Body

### Mission Overview
Phoenix was a robotic spacecraft classified as a lander, designed to descend to and rest upon the surface of an astronomical body—in this case, Mars. It operated under the Mars Scout Program. The spacecraft was declared a "former entity" following the conclusion of its operational life.

### Launch and Transit
The mission began with a rocket launch on **August 4, 2007**, utilizing a **Delta II** launch vehicle (configuration D325). The launch originated from **Cape Canaveral Space Launch Complex 17A** at precisely 09:26:34 UTC.

### Landing and Operations
Phoenix successfully completed entry, descent, and landing procedures on **May 25, 2008**. The touch-down occurred in **Green Valley** on Mars. The specific coordinates of the landing site are recorded as:
- **Latitude:** 68.21880555555556° N
- **Longitude:** 125.74919444444444° W

### Mission Timeline and Conclusion
The operational phase of the mission lasted approximately five months.
- **Loss of Signal:** November 2, 2008.
- **Mission Termination:** May 24, 2010.

### Identifiers and Technical Data
- **Manufacturer:** Lockheed Martin.
- **COSPAR ID:** 2007-034A.
- **NAIF ID:** -84.
- **Official Website:** http://phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu/ (English).
- **Library of Congress Authority ID:** no2008164541.

## References

1. Virtual International Authority File
2. Library of Congress
3. Jonathan's Space Report
4. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
5. [Source](https://www.nasaspaceflight.com/2008/05/nasas-phoenix-lands-successfully-on-mars/)
6. [Source](https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1021929/Life-Mars-Crystal-clear-images-best-view-red-planet.html)
7. [Source](https://www.latimes.com/archives/la-xpm-2010-may-25-la-sci-mars-phoenix-20100525-story.html)
8. [Source](https://naif.jpl.nasa.gov/pub/naif/toolkit_docs/C/req/naif_ids.html)