This image is a composite view of NASA's Phoenix Mars Lander's Robotic Arm
Camera (RAC) with its lights on, as seen by the lander's Surface Stereo
Imager (SSI). This image combines images taken on the afternoon of
Phoenix's 116th Martian day, or sol (September 22, 2008). The RAC is about
8 centimeters (3 inches) tall.
The SSI took images of the RAC to test both the light-emitting diodes
(LEDs) and cover function. Individual images were taken in three SSI
filters that correspond to the red, green, and blue LEDs one at a time.
When combined, it appears that all three sets of LEDs are on at the same
time. This composite image is not true color. The streaks of color
extending from the LEDs are an artifact from saturated exposure.
The Phoenix Mission is led by the University of Arizona, Tucson, on behalf
of NASA. Project management of the mission is by NASA's Jet Propulsion
Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif. Spacecraft development is by Lockheed Martin
Space Systems, Denver.
