Finally, NASA Sends Mars Rover on Its Way

[Nambe]

CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. (Reuters)

Despite a late glitch that stopped the countdown at seven seconds, NASA managed to launch its latest Mars mission successfully on Monday after fixing the problem and resetting the clock.

The liftoff ended almost two weeks of frustrating delays for the space agency. Engineers had to scramble to diagnose a problem with a pressure valve on the first stage of the Delta 2 rocket in order to get the rocket off at 11:18 p.m. EDT (0218 GMT on Tuesday), 43 minutes late.

When the six-wheeled Mars Expedition Rover "Opportunity" reaches the Red Planet, it will scour the surface for signs that could point toward ancient life.

Already speeding toward Mars is the first of the twin rovers, named "Spirit," which launched on June 10.

[proud patriot]

1. YAY !!!!

:bounce: