Nasa Mars probe safely touches down

The first images from the Phoenix Mars Lander have confirmed that the solar panels needed for its energy supply unfolded as planned and that masts for its camera and weather station are in position.

A successful touchdown late Sunday was followed by the first pictures about two hours later.

Brent Shockley, Phoenix configuration and information management engineer, wrote in his blog Sunday night that the pictures "show a beautiful Martian landscape".

The landing of Nasa's machine concluded a 422-million-mile journey that began last August. The Phoenix is on a three-month mission to determine whether ice below the surface ever thaws and whether some of the chemical ingredients needed for life are preserved in the soil.

Peter Smith, of the University of Arizona and principal investigator for the Phoenix mission, said: "It's liquid water we're looking for. Does the ice melt?"

Smith noted that the ground looks like the "active surface of the Arctic regions of Earth". Cracks in the soil show that surface is "active" because no dust or sand has filled in the cracks.

At some point over the next few days, the lander's 7.7-foot robotic arm is scheduled to begin functioning. The robotic arm is set to collect the first soil samples in about a week.

The lander is expected to function for about 90 days with energy generated by the solar panels. But it is possible the lander will function longer.

Natalie Weinstein writes for CNET News.com

Original article: Mars lander gets a solid start from CNET News.com