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Thursday, October 30, 2008

Science R.I.P. Phoenix Lander

posted by Anthony Hecht on October 30 at 13:44 PM

phoenix.jpg

Has anyone else been following the tragic death of NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander via its Twitter feed?

It’s bizarrely affecting.

Not sure how soon arm will freeze after 1st heater is turned off. Depends on the weather. But saving that power (250 watt hrs/sol) is good.
I should stay well-preserved in this cold. I’ll be humankind’s monument here for centuries, eons, until future explorers come for me ;-)
Many questions about next Martian summer and will I wake up? It is beyond expectations. But if it happens you’ll be among the 1st to know.
In case we don’t get this chance again, thank you all so much for the questions, comments & good wishes over the mission. It’s been awesome
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1

Poor little guy!

Posted by Giffy | October 30, 2008 1:58 PM
2

Another brave veteran killed by the actions of Bush/McSame.

We salute you!

Posted by Will in Seattle | October 30, 2008 2:02 PM
3

We'll miss you Phoenix. You were a worthy little robotic adventurer.

Posted by Justin | October 30, 2008 2:12 PM
4

Awww. I've been following the other lander's feed. That's sad.

Posted by wench | October 30, 2008 2:14 PM
5

Have they informed Mrs. Rover yet? She and their lil' toasters must be distraught.

Posted by Wall-E | October 30, 2008 2:15 PM
6

Daisy... Daisy... give me your answer... do...

Posted by kid icarus | October 30, 2008 2:18 PM
7

@6 You beat me to it.

Posted by Asa | October 30, 2008 2:26 PM
8

Has anyone seen Silent Running? If you are moved by Phonix, Silent Running will make you cry.

Posted by elswinger | October 30, 2008 2:27 PM
9

Argh. Twitter's been flaking out all day - I just finally got a couple messages from the lander. That's the one I've been following.

Posted by wench | October 30, 2008 2:32 PM
10

It has been sad watching Phoenix prepare to die. I'll take solace in its two long-suffering brethren: http://twitter.com/MarsRovers

Posted by ben | October 30, 2008 2:43 PM
11

@8

Hell, I cried when Hal shut down.

Posted by cascadian | October 30, 2008 3:06 PM
12

Planet earth is blue, and there's nothing I can doooo

Posted by ams | October 30, 2008 3:30 PM
13

Oh come on, it lasted almost twice as long as its design mission. There's nothing tragic about it.

Posted by Big Sven | October 30, 2008 3:54 PM
14

What happened to the little guy?

Posted by Greg | October 30, 2008 4:19 PM
15

@13 - you take that back!

Posted by Will in Seattle | October 30, 2008 6:11 PM
16

@15 how about you just STFU you moron.

Posted by you fucking douche | October 30, 2008 11:00 PM
17

WiS@15: Spirit and Opportunity are the real shit!
yfd@16: Thorazine. And Lithium.

Posted by Big Sven | October 30, 2008 11:07 PM
18

@2, fuck you liberal whore fag dick

Posted by A Guy With Common Sense | October 31, 2008 8:59 AM
19

my favorite is "Space exploration FTW!"

Posted by julia | October 31, 2008 11:31 AM
20

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Posted by zhcm dcpgx | November 2, 2008 6:07 PM
21

emuncrv ceikyqnb dpfqc ngzwc wotx pztrg wuma

Posted by zhcm dcpgx | November 2, 2008 6:09 PM

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