Mars 2020 (Perseverance)

Launch data: Designation  45983? / 20052A Launch date  30 Jul 2020 - 11:50 UTC Launch site  CC, SLC41 Launch vehicle  Atlas V 541 (AV-088) Mission  Mars probe Earth orbit: Perihelion / Aphelion  208 x -68003 Inclination  27.6° Period   min

Artist′s concept of Perseverance at work on Mars. It is equipped with seven scientific instruments and closely resembles its predecessor, Curiosity. Image Credit: NASA

Mission details:

• NASA′s Mars 2020 mission was launched from Cape Canaveral by a ULA Atlas V 541, mission AV-088, on Jul 30, 2020. Launch was at 1150 UTC, with parking orbit insertion at 1201 UTC into a 167 x 250 km x 29.1 deg orbit. At 1235 UTC the Centaur stage restarted to accelerate the vehicle to an escape hyperbola with C3 = 14.49 km2/s2.
• The Mars 2020 spacecraft consists of the cruise stage (mass about 539 kg; 0.6m high 4.4m dia cylinder) and the entry vehicle. The entry vehicle is 4.5m dia with a backshell, parachute, and aeroshell (heat shield), containing the Perseverance Rover (1025 kg, 2.1m x 1.5m). The backshell is about 294 kg, the heat shield 382 kg, and the 21.5m diameter parachute is 55 kg. Perseverance is similar in design to Curiosity.
• Attached to the rover is the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter, a 1.8 kg 1.2m-span technology-test rotorcraft, contained within the MHDS (Mars Helicopter Delivery System) cover, which will be jettisoned from the rover. The helicopter will make 90-second flights up to 5 metres altitude.
• Mars 2020 was landing on Mars at Feb 18 (.87), 2021.

External links:

• AmericaSpace: NASA′s Mars helicopter completes second, higher flight.
• AmericaSpace: NASA′s Perseverance rover generates first oxygen on Mars
• AmericaSpace: New Onboard Video of Perseverance′s Incredible Landing on Mars
• AmericaSpace: Landing Perseverance on Mars
• AmericaSpace: Perseverance Rover Aims for Feb 18 Landing on Mars.
• AmericaSpace: Perseverance Launches Atop Mighty Atlas
• AmericaSpace: Perseverance Rover Set for Launch.
• EOportal: Mars 2020