With enticing results so far and the spacecraft in good shape, NASA also announced operational funding for the mission will extend through September 30.
The original prime mission of three months ends in late August. The mission extension adds five weeks to the 90 days of the prime mission.
Image: A file photograph of Mars Exploration Programme manager Fuk Li (Left) and Navigation Team Chief Brian Portock addressing a press conference in front of an image of the Phoenix Mars Lander at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory on May 27, 2008 in Pasadena, California.
Photograph: David McNew/Getty Images
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