Bad Astronomy

Phoenix rises from the ashes

Phoenix launched! On time, too. An hour later it was in a parking orbit around the Earth, where its health was assessed, and after it checked out the third stage ignited to send the probe on its way to Mars.

While you’re waiting for Phoenix to arrive on Mars on May 25 of next year, check out this way cool video from the Phoenix Mars mission! There’s a hi-res version, too (highly recommended).