Media Advisory/CSA: Canada is on its Way to Mars!

LONGUEUIL, QUEBEC–(Marketwire – Aug. 2, 2007) – On August 4th media representatives are invited to the Canadian Space Agency (CSA) to attend the launch of NASA’s Phoenix Mars Lander mission. Canada is playing an important role in this mission by contributing a meteorological station to track the weather and climate on Mars. The meteorological station consists of a lidar (a laser-reflection instrument), three temperature sensors and a wind sensor on a vertical mast, and a pressure sensor.

The CSA’s Mars terrain will be available for media representatives wishing to do their interviews in a Mars-like environment.

WHEN: Saturday, August 4, 2007

HOUR: 5:00 a.m.

WHAT: Brief presentation on the Canadian contribution
Live launch of Phoenix via NASA TV (media channel only)

WHO: Alain Berinstain, Director, Planetary exploration and space astronomy, CSA

WHERE: Canadian Space Agency
6767 Route de l’Aeroport
Longueuil, Quebec

NOTE: Launch date and time are subject to change.

For mission details, please visit our website: http://www.space.gc.ca/asc/eng/exploration/phoenix.asp