LAUNCH MISSION
Lockheed Martin Atlas V 401 Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
Launch Pad
Space Launch Complex 41
Description
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) is a spacecraft designed to study the geology and climate of Mars, provide reconnaissance of future landing sites, and relay data from surface missions back to Earth. It was launched on August 12, 2005 and reached Mars on March 10, 2006. In November 2006, after five months of aerobraking, it entered its final science orbit and began its primary science phase.
Atlas V 401
Rocket Description
An Atlas V with a 4 meter diameter fairing, no boosters and a single centaur upper stage engine.