The probe "Phoenix" officially confirmed as lost.

Snapshot of the probe was made in May 2010 with on board the probe MRO high-resolution cameras HiRISE. Photography is very different from images «Phoenix», sent to Earth in 2008. Then the probe appeared as a bright spot, and the photos were clearly visible main «body» of the probe and its solar panels. In the new images «Phoenix» is not shining, moreover, is not noticeable either batteries or their shadows.

According to scientists, the absence of light is explained not only by the fact that on the surface of the probe settled dust — another reason is the serious damage to the machine. On this also indicates the lack of shape solar panels. Researchers believe that the «Phoenix» was partially destroyed a mass of ice formed during the Martian winter.

Experts assumed that development, as the unit was not equipped with devices that could protect it in winter conditions. However, scientists did not rule out that with some probability the probe will survive the winter. Once at the north pole of Mars, where Phoenix is, the spring has come, the researchers conducted three unsuccessful search session system — Mars Odyssey orbiter in a few days flying over the site of the probe and tried to catch radio signals from it. The program «Phoenix» laid a team with enough solar radiation to try to contact any available transmitter. Last search operation lasted from 17 to 21 May 2010.

The probe «Phoenix» sat down on Mars May 25, 2008. It was planned that his mission will last three months, but the unit worked for two months longer. During his stay at the Red Planet «Phoenix» has studied the chemical composition of Martian soil, in particular, found within it are poisonous to most living things matter — perchlorates, managed to get out of the ground water as well as the characteristics of the Martian atmosphere.