The Perseverance rover leaves for Mars next July 30. Learn how to track the launch

After China and the United Arab Emirates successfully launched their first missions to Mars, NASA is preparing to send the Perseverance rover to the Red Planet next July 30 from Cape Canaveral , in the United States. The exploration vehicle will depart the Atlas V rocket by 12:50 pm (Lisbon time).

Live coverage of the launch starts at 12 noon and can be followed through the NASA website, and through the American Space Agency's pages on YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitch, Daily Motion, and Theta.TV. If you have an Oculus headset, you can still watch the launch through virtual reality.

In addition to being able to follow the launch of the rover live, space exploration enthusiasts can participate in the various activities that NASA is preparing to mark the special date. Through NASA Social, a Facebook group open to all members of the public, Internet users can access behind the scenes of the launch.

When Perseverance leaves for the Red Planet, take three small chips with the names of 10.9 million people. Although all vacancies have already been filled for the flight on the 30th, you can still make a reservation and ensure that your name is sent on a next assignment on the Send Your Name to Mars website.

To mark the date with pomp and circumstance, you can also put yourself in the role of a Martian explorer and take a few selfies on Mars through NASA's Mars Photo Booth and share them on social media with #CountdownToMars. You can also use the new augmented reality filters from Facebook and Instagram to put yourself at the helm of the mission or even to explore the rover in detail.

In preparation for the exploration journey on the Red Planet

Throughout its development, the Preseverance rover won legs and wheels, a braoatum helicopter. After training the moves for the future exploration trip, Preseverance passed the first driving test and, more recently, learned to stay balanced.

How is the rover going to take samples over Martian land? NASA explains that, thanks to a drill at the end of the robotic arm, the vehicle will drill into the ground and obtain samples that will be stored in tubes inside. After collecting them, you will place them on the surface for collection.

The lander then uses the Sample Fetch Rover and Transfer Arm to transfer the samples to a rocket and to the Mars Ascent Vehicle, used to transport them from the planet to space. The final phase of the mission will take place in 2026, when an Orbiter will be launched towards Mars. Upon arriving at the Red Planet, receive the load of samples and project it towards Earth, where it is expected to arrive in 2031.