Mars Polar Lander: Final Report

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Event Log, First Mars Polar Lander

00:00:01 Landed, no damage detected

00:02:00 Deploy solar arrays

00:03:10 Deploy remote video camera, pointed at lander

00:05:00 Deploy High Gain Antenna; establish datalink

00:05:20 Transmitting good data and video

00:32:18 Sensors detect Non-Classified Biological Entity (NBE)

00:33:02 NBE approaches within ten feet

00:33:06 Reacting to NBE, lander deploys signaling mast and displays flag with Universal Peaceful Intentions Symbol

00:33:08 Microphone detects single speech-frequency emanation from NBE, classified Potentially Threatening

00:33:10 Sensors detect coherent light beam from NBE; lander experiences extreme temperature rise

00:33:11 Datalink lost; no further transmissions