Mars Orbiter Getting Set for August Launch

NASA’s next mission to Mars will examine it in unprecedented detail from low orbit, NASA officials in Washington said.

Launch opportunities begin Aug. 10 for the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The orbiter and its launch vehicle are nearing final stages of preparation at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, Fla.

The spacecraft will examine Martian features ranging from the top of the atmosphere to underground layering. Researchers will use it to study the history and distribution of Martian water, officials said.

It will also support future Mars missions by characterizing landing sites and providing a high-data-rate communications relay.

Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is the next step in our ambitious exploration of Mars, NASA Mars Exploration Program Director Douglas McCuistion, said in a statement. We expect to use this spacecraft’s eyes in the sky in coming years as our primary tools to identify and evaluate the best places for future missions to land.