Pheonix goes to Mars

The new Pheonix lander is in the final stages of its planned trip to Mars. It is expected to land in 2008.

The purpose of the Pheonix is to collect samples of ice for scientists to study. The ice will provide a base to analyze and study the history of the planets atmosphere and the general properties of the soil and surface. The biggest problem facing the scientists in charge of this mission is finding an appropriate landing place for the Pheonix. What looked like a suitable area, upon closer observation, turned out to covered in obtrusive boulders. Surface maps appear to provide a useful tool and guide for the planets terrain, but nothing is certain until we get there. Meaning there are a select few number of places to safely land spacecraft. The problems raised in this article, while United States specific, raise other potential questions for later visits to Mars. Will the early bird get the worm? Whoever finds the best places to land will be the only ones that can use the area. Will other countries have to find other places to land that are far enough away from the American posts?