This sample of Martian soil was collected by the NASA's Phoenix Mars
Lander during the 14th Martian day after landing (June 8, 2008) for later
delivery to the lander's Optical Microscope. The Robotic Arm Camera took
the picture of the contents of the arm's scoop, about 9 centimeters (3.5
inches) wide.
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.
