MISSION OVERVIEW
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.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas V 401AGENCY
Lockheed MartinMISSION
Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter
MISSION TYPE
Planetary Science
TARGET ORBIT
Mars Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 41LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USACOUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Minute
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: d23062f3-86d7-4b99-80f1-4c31cb07fcc0
Reported date: Aug 12, 2005 at 11:43 UTC
Last synced: 21 hours ago
This launch date and time are confirmed by the launch provider. Countdown is active.
LAUNCH MAP
PAD WEATHER
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VEHICLE — Atlas V 401 →
MANUFACTURER
United Launch Alliance
VARIANT
401
FLIGHTS
41
SUCCESSES
41
SUCCESS RATE
100%
An Atlas V with a 4 meter diameter fairing, no boosters and a single centaur upper stage engine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas V 401 | Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter launch?
The Atlas V 401 | Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is scheduled for Friday, August 12, 2005 at 11:43 AM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter?
The Atlas V 401 | Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter mission uses the Atlas V 401 rocket, manufactured by United Launch Alliance. The Atlas V 401 has flown 41 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Atlas V 401 | Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter going to?
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter mission is targeting Mars Orbit.
Who is launching Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter?
The Atlas V 401 | Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter is operated by Lockheed Martin.
Can I watch the Atlas V 401 | Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter launch live?
Yes. Visit the launch detail page on Space Launch Live for embedded YouTube webcasts, replay videos, and links to live coverage from SpaceX, NASA, NASASpaceflight, and other channels.
LAUNCH TIMELINE
Mar 29, 2026 01:08 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 01:08 UTC
Launch date set: Aug 12, 2005 at 11:43 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by Lockheed Martin
Mar 29, 2026 01:08 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 21 hours ago
●Launch Library 221 hours ago
Launch ID: d23062f3-86d7-4b99-80f1-4c31cb07fcc0
●Open-Meteo Weather21 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.58, -80.58
