One fact is that you can't get live images from Mars because of the time it takes to transmit data across such a large distance. I think the delay is
about 20 minutes due to the configuration of the Earth and Mars in their orbits for this landing.
You can find a count down to landing (or crash) at this link:
phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu...
As of this post it all goes down in 1 day, 7 hours, 19 minutes, approx.....
Here's the timeline:
phoenix.lpl.arizona.edu...
Antennas located on the back of the shell which encases the lander will be used to communicate with one of three spacecraft currently orbiting
Mars. These orbiters will then relay signals and landing info to Earth.
Edit link
[edit on 24/5/2008 by anxietydisorder]