The phases of the mission include:

• Pre-launch Activities: Preparation for the mission, including landing site selection, assembly and testing, and delivery to Cape Canaveral



• Launch: Lift-off from Earth



• Cruise: Voyage through space



• Approach: Nearing the red planet Mars



• Entry, Descent, and Landing: Journey through the martian atmosphere to the surface



• Rover Egress: Leaving the lander to begin exploration



• Surface Operations: Learning about Mars through the day-to-day activities of the rovers

MER-A: Key Events During Launch

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