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NASA launches Mars rover to look for signs of former life
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NASA launched its Mars rover Perseverance Thursday morning in a bid to search for signs of ancient life on the Red Planet.
The rover lifted off at 7:50 a.m. EDT (1150 GMT) on a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in the U.S. state of Florida.
NASA confirmed the separation of the rover from the rocket about one hour following the launch.
“The @NASAPersevere rover just sent its first signal back to us on Earth. The spacecraft is in good health and on its way to Mars,” NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine tweeted.
Following a seven-month journey, the rover is expected to land at Jezero Crater on Mars on Feb. 18, 2021.
Perseverance is the fifth Mars rover sent by NASA to Mars, after Sojourner, Spirit, Opportunity, and Curiosity.
The rover will search for signs of ancient microbial life, characterize the planet’s geology and climate, and collect carefully selected and documented rock and sediment samples for a possible return to Earth, according to NASA.