PHOENIX LOSES POWER: Mars lander Phoenix has lost power and is no longer communicating with Earth. The problem was not deepening cold at Phoenix's arctic landing site, but rather waning winter sunlight and a dust storm that dimmed the sun even more than expected. Phoenix's solar panels could not gather the light they needed to charge the lander's batteries. Mission planners always knew Phoenix would not survive the winter, so this comes as no surprise. Farewell Phoenix, and congratulations to the Phoenix team on a very successful mission.
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