Spacecraft: Phoenix
Launch Vehicle: Delta II Launch Location: Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida
Launch Pad: Space Launch Complex 17-A
Launch Date: Aug. 4, 2007
Launch Time: 5:26:34 a.m. EDT
Perfect Early Morning Liftoff for Phoenix Sitting atop a Delta II rocket, the Phoenix spacecraft experienced a successful early-morning liftoff for the beginning of its journey toward Mars. After a flawless countdown with perfect weather conditions, the rocket roared to life as it lit up the dark morning sky.
Image above: The Delta II rocket with the Phoenix spacecraft onboard lifts off. Image credit: NASA/Sandra Joseph and John Kechele + View Larger Image The Rocket The Phoenix spacecraft began its journey toward Mars aboard a Delta II rocket. The Delta II is designed to boost medium-sized satellites and robotic explorers into space. NASA selected a model 7925 for this mission, which is a three-stage rocket equipped with nine strap-on solid rocket boosters and a 9.5-foot payload fairing to protect the spacecraft during launch.
+ Learn about launch preparations + View Flash photo gallery + View Delta launch vehicle video + Rocket Science 101