The US space probe Spirit was launched Tuesday on its mission to Mars to study the geological structure of the Red Planet and try to find out if life could ever have existed there.

The Boeing-built Delta II rocket carrying the Spirit -- with the Mars Expedition Rover A (MER-A) aboard, the first of two US robots that will closely study the red planet -- launched Tuesday at 1:58 pm (1758 GMT). "We see a clean separation," a mission control spokesman said. "MER-A, have a safe journey and a successful mission, and MER-B, we'll see you soon."

View: Full Article | Source: Space Daily

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Of 30 attempted Mars missions over the past 40 years, just 12 have succeeded, Weiler noted.

Let's hope this one gets there safely! I wonder if they'll find what they are looking for?