PADSpace Launch Complex 41
SITECape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA →ORBITMars Orbit
TYPERobotic Exploration
PROGRAMNASA Large Strategic Science Missions
MISSION OVERVIEW
The Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) mission, featuring the renowned Curiosity rover, was designed to assess the planet’s past and present habitability. Equipped with an array of advanced scientific instruments, including a drill and a sample analysis unit, Curiosity explored the Gale Crater, a site believed to contain evidence of ancient Martian environments. It delivered groundbreaking discoveries, including the detection of organic molecules and the confirmation of an ancient, potentially habitable lake bed.
LAUNCH DETAILS
VEHICLE
Atlas V 541AGENCY
United Launch AllianceMISSION
MSL (Curiosity)
MISSION TYPE
Robotic Exploration
TARGET ORBIT
Mars Orbit
LAUNCH PAD
Space Launch Complex 41LAUNCH SITE
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USAPROGRAM
NASA Large Strategic Science Missions
COUNTRY
USA
LAUNCH TIME VERIFICATION
CONFIRMEDPrecision: Half-year
LAUNCH LIBRARY 2 PRIMARY
API ID: df8d4fdb-9add-4ce9-9f0e-aae1c61df212
Reported date: Nov 26, 2011 at 15:02 UTC
Last synced: 2 minutes 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 541 →
MANUFACTURER
United Launch Alliance
VARIANT
541
FLIGHTS
9
SUCCESSES
9
SUCCESS RATE
100%
Atlas V with 5m Fairing, 4 SRB, 1 Centaur upper stage engine.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
When is the Atlas V 541 | MSL (Curiosity) launch?
The Atlas V 541 | MSL (Curiosity) is scheduled for Saturday, November 26, 2011 at 3:02 PM UTC. This is the NET (No Earlier Than) time and may be subject to change. Current status: SUCCESS.
What rocket is being used for MSL (Curiosity)?
The Atlas V 541 | MSL (Curiosity) mission uses the Atlas V 541 rocket, manufactured by United Launch Alliance. The Atlas V 541 has flown 9 times with a 100% success rate.
Where is the Atlas V 541 | MSL (Curiosity) launching from?
The launch takes place from Space Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA.
What orbit is MSL (Curiosity) going to?
The MSL (Curiosity) mission is targeting Mars Orbit.
Who is launching MSL (Curiosity)?
The Atlas V 541 | MSL (Curiosity) is operated by United Launch Alliance. It is part of the NASA Large Strategic Science Missions program.
Can I watch the Atlas V 541 | MSL (Curiosity) 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 00:02 UTC
Launch added to tracker
Imported from Launch Library 2 API
Mar 29, 2026 00:02 UTC
Launch date set: Nov 26, 2011 at 15:02 UTC
NET (No Earlier Than) confirmed by United Launch Alliance
Mar 29, 2026 00:02 UTC
Launch completed successfully
Updated via Launch Library 2
LIVE DATA SOURCES
Last data sync: 2 minutes ago
●Launch Library 22 minutes ago
Launch ID: df8d4fdb-9add-4ce9-9f0e-aae1c61df212
●Open-Meteo Weather15 hours ago
Pad weather at 28.58, -80.58
●YouTube Video Search2 weeks ago
1 video discovered
