NASA's Mars Science Laboratory (MSL) spacecraft - which includes the newest Red Planet rover, the car-sized Curiosity - began its mission with an on-time launch aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket Nov. 26, 2011 at 10:02 a.m. EST.The Atlas V lifted off with MSL on the first opportunity, rising from Space Launch Complex 41 on Cape Canaveral Air Force Station in Florida following a smooth countdown throughout the morning. Although clouds occasionally drifted through the launch area during fueling operations, conditions were favorable at launch time, as forecasters had predicted.
MSL separated from the Centaur upper stage about 44 minutes into the mission and sent a signal to officials on the ground six minutes later. The spacecraft is in excellent health as it begins its journey to Mars.
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