Mars Perseverance Rover "Go For Launch," Says NASA

On Monday, NASA gave its latest Mars Rover Perseverance all clear to launch later this week on a mission to look for signs of ancient microbial life.

"The launch readiness review is complete, and we're actually going to launch it," said administrator Jim Bridenstine.

"We are in extraordinary times right now with the coronavirus pandemic, and yet we have persevered and protected this mission because it is so important."

The launch will take place at 7:50 am (1150 GMT) Thursday from Cape Canaveral, Florida, aboard a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket.

Live coverage will take place on YouTube and on all social media platforms.

After a seven-month journey, Perseverance will land in Jezero Crater on February 18, 2021.

Approximately the size of an SUV and weighing 2,300 pounds (1,040 kilograms), the six-wheeled robot is NASA's fifth Mars rover and the most advanced to date.

It comes equipped with a small helicopter called Ingenio that will try to fly, for the first time on another planet, as well as a robotic arm and a series of cameras and a pair of microphones.

To search for evidence of ancient fossilized bacteria, you will use two lasers and an x-ray capable of chemical analysis.

It will also collect rock and soil samples for a future mission that will bring them back to Earth for further study.