Mars Polar Lander/Deep Space 2 News Timeline All times Pacific Standard Time (PST) Revised 12/6/99 Sunday, December 5 10:45-11:45 a.m.: TV commentary during lander communication opportunity through Mars Global Surveyor relay 12 noon: News briefing. Emcee: Franklin O'Donnell. Presenters: Richard Cook, Mars Polar Lander Project Manager; Dr. Sam Thurman, Flight Operations Manager; Sarah Gavit, Deep Space 2 Mars Microprobes Project Manager. 9:30-10:45 p.m.: TV commentary during lander communication opportunity 11:00 p.m.: News briefing Tuesday, December 7 12 midnight-12:45 a.m.: TV commentary during lander communication opportunity 1 a.m.: News briefing Wednesday, December 8, and beyond Events TBD based on mission status