Phoenix Probe Lands Successfully On Mars

Despite the success of NASA's Spirit and Opportunity missions, directors remained anxious today over the first-ever landing of a probe near Mars' north pole to find signs of life. The Mars Phoenix Lander was wrapping up its 296-day, 422 million-mile journey with about a 50-50 chance of a successful touchdown, NASA officials said. The landing -- dubbed the "seven minutes of terror" -- was a nerve-wracking experience for mission managers, who have witnessed the failure of similar missions.

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