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

• First Drive: After landing when engineers first conduct tests to ensure the rover is in a "safe state"

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