Phoenix Test Sample Site This sequence of four images was acquired by NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander’s Surface Stereo Imager on sols 5, 6, and 7--the fifth, sixth, and seventh days of the mission (May 30, 31, and June 1, 2008). The images show the so-called "Knave of Hearts" first-dig test area to the north of the lander. The trench shown is 3.3 inches (8.5 centimeters) wide. The Robotic Arm’s scraping blade left a small horizontal depression where it first touched the soil on Sol 6, seen in the second image. The third image shows a deeper hole where the Robotic Arm scooped up a a sample on Sol 7. The fourth step in the sequence adds color. Video credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona/Texas A&M University.
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Scoopful of Martian Soil After Release This sequence of two images was acquired by NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander’s Surface Stereo Imager on sols 6 and 7--the sixth and seventh days of the mission (May 31 and June 1, 2008). Both images show an area to the west of the digging site informally known as "Knave of Hearts." The second image shows the movement and shadow of the Robotic Arm. Between Phoenix's Arm and the shadow is a small handful of Martian soil that has been released from the Robotic Arm onto the surface. Video credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech/University of Arizona/Texas A&M University.
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