To the relief of many, the Mars Phoenix landed on Mars without incident. NASA has released the pictures below taken on the Red Planet’s arctic plains. This was the conclusion of a 296-day voyage and years of planning.

This is the site where scientists believe that ice might be found under the surface and the existence of prior life could be found. It is part of the “follow the water” approach of scientists in seeking life signs. The lander has a cool arm for digging in the permafrost, as shown here.

For the first pictures, click here.

For the full story, click here.