Science | NASA NASA Deploys Mars Probe's Robotic Arm Radio glitch delays plan by 1 day By Nick McMaster Posted May 29, 2008 1:00 PM CDT Copied Team members, from left, Ed Weiler, Charles Elachi, Peter Smith and project manager Barry Goldstein conduct a news conference at Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill) NASA’s Phoenix Mars lander extended its robotic arm for the first time late last night, the AP reports, a day late because of a temporary radio blackout. The arm, which will unfurl over a 2-day period, will eventually be used to take samples of ice below the surface in Mars’ arctic regions to search for evidence of life. Read These Next Kristi Noem: I was 'blindsided' by news about my husband. A federal judge just ordered a halt to Trump's ballroom project. Judge permanently blocks Trump's attempt to defund NPR, PBS. Cops arrest trio in viral airport dustup over baggage fee. Report an error