WIKIARCHIVES.SPACE

Workers in the Payload Hazardous Servicing Facility make adjustments as they get ready to move the second half of the fairing (right) and install it with the first half around the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. The fairing protects the spacecraft during launch and flight through the atmosphere. Once in space, it is jettisoned. Launch of the MRO aboard an Atlas V rocket will be from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida. The MRO is the next major step in Mars exploration and scheduled for launch from Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in a window opening Aug. 10. The MRO is an important next step in fulfilling NASAs vision of space exploration and ultimately sending human explorers to Mars and beyond.