Phoenix Special > Update > Peter Smith's Reaction

"The Phoenix bird has arisen!"

"Photo credit: Kevin Stube - Exhaust from the rocket hangs in the air to form an image of a Phoenix bird."

I've just received Peter Smith, the Phoenix Mission Principal Investigator's reaction.
Hard will be the wait untill May.
Hard will be to hold the expectation.
Hard will be to dream with the Phoenix landing site.
It is no secret that I deposit a sea of hope in this particular quest but reading the PI's words all I can say is that I hope the Phoenix may pursue its goals and surprises us beyond our expectations.
May the voyage be as safe as it can, may all of us travelling in that CD work as fuel on this immense adventure.
Smith deserves it:

"Several things were unique about the launch. From my position outside the control room, the rocket was heading straight for Mars which was near the Pleides in the sky, but since it had to turn away, it then headed for the horizon for a lap around the Earth. As it crossed Orion's belt, the solid rockets were released and twinkled down to the ocean like a tiny constellation. Finally, the mighty ship was no longer visible and we all we're back to the control room to celebrate another successful launch.

However, since this was a pre-dawn launch, the Sun was nearing the horizon. I walked outside again and noticed that the exhaust plume from the solid stage which is at very high altitude was being illuminated by the Sun against the night sky. The upper winds were twisting the plume so that it was morphing into different shapes. I had never seen anything quite so beautiful and was mesmerised by the artistry of the cloud.

Suddenly it struck me and sent a shiver up my spine.

The cloud was forming the shape of a Phoenix bird with wings and a long tail. Unbelievably the omen was unmistakable: the Phoenix bird has arisen! This is an auspicious sign and to me signifies that the project is destined to accomplish great advances in understanding the hidden truths of Mars.

Later we contacted the spacecraft itself and within minutes had its solar panels open and pointed toward the Sun.
Communications showed that all systems are healthy and we are headed for Mars. As I write this we are well past the Moon and traveling through interplanetary space in good health and conscience."