United States Air Force Spirit Rover Delta II
About the Spirit Rover Mission
- Type: Planetary Science
- Orbit: Mars Orbit
- Launch Cost: $51,000,000
Spirit, also known as MER-A, is a robotic rover on Mars, active from 2004 to 2010. It landed successfully within the impact crater Gusev on Mars at 04:35 Ground UTC on January 4, 2004, three weeks before its twin, Opportunity (MER-B), which landed on the other side of the planet. The rover became stuck in a "sand trap" in late 2009 at an angle that hampered recharging of its batteries; its last communication with Earth was sent on March 22, 2010.
Launch Pad & Location
Space Launch Complex 17A
Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA
The Space Launch Complex 17A launch pad has hosted 145 rocket launches, including 145 orbital launch attempts. The Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA launch site has been the location for 1111 total rocket launches.
Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
United Launch Alliance Delta II 7925-9.5 Rocket
Delta II is an American space launch system developed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of the Delta rocket family operated by United Launch Alliance. With more than 150 missions and a nearly perfect track record, Delta II has established itself as one of the most successful orbital launch systems.
Learn more about the United Launch Alliance Delta II 7925-9.5 Rocket
About United States Air Force
The United States Air Force (USAF) is the air service branch of the United States Armed Forces, and is one of the eight uniformed services of the United States. Originally created on 1 August 1907, as a part of the United States Army Signal Corps, the USAF was established as a separate branch of the United States Armed Forces in 1947 with the enactment of the National Security Act of 1947.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the United States Air Force Delta II Spirit Rover launch scheduled?
The United States Air Force Delta II Spirit Rover launch was scheduled for:
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Where did the United States Air Force Delta II Spirit Rover mission launch from?
The United States Air Force Delta II rocket launched from Space Launch Complex 17A at Cape Canaveral SFS, FL, USA. Cape Canaveral Space Force Station (CCSFS) is an installation of the United States Space Force's Space Launch Delta 45, located on Cape Canaveral in Brevard County, Florida.
What rocket was used for the Spirit Rover mission?
The Spirit Rover mission launched aboard a United States Air Force Delta II rocket. Delta II is an American space launch system developed by McDonnell Douglas, now part of the Delta rocket family operated by United Launch Alliance. With more than 150 missions and a nearly perfect track record, Delta II has established itself as one of the most successful orbital launch systems. Detailed rocket specifications and performance data are available in the rocket details above.
What weather conditions could have delayed the United States Air Force Delta II Spirit Rover launch?
The United States Air Force Delta II Spirit Rover launch could have been delayed by various weather conditions including lightning within 10 nautical miles, high winds (especially upper-level winds), thick cloud layers, precipitation, and poor visibility. Weather must be favorable at the launch site, downrange landing zones, and abort landing sites.
How can I get updates if the United States Air Force Delta II Spirit Rover launch was delayed?
This page was updated in real-time with the latest United States Air Force Delta II launch status, including any delays or scrubs for the Spirit Rover mission. You can also check our space launch schedule for historical launch information. Our mobile app provides push notifications for instant alerts about launch status changes. Official United States Air Force live streams provided the most immediate range updates during the launch window.