The Mars Reconaissance Orbiter did get off today. As the MRO website says:
Next Stop, Mars! - 8/12/05
The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter lifted off this morning at 7:43 AM EDT from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Florida. The spacecraft is healthy and communicating with ground controllers and the team is overjoyed!
Hurray! Now we wait for the next phase at the red planet.
By the way, I heard today that the programmers on the MRO mission have reprogrammed the MRO to be able to communicate with the Mars Rovers who are still working -- long after their expected life expectancy. Amazing!
