The NASA orbiter to Mars lifted off on schedule Monday to explore the planet's atmosphere, USA TODAY reported.
Known as "Maven," the orbiter launched from Launch Complex 41 at Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, Fla., producing a rumble that set off car alarms at the Kennedy Space Center.
The spacecraft will take around 10 months to reach Mars, where it will orbit the planet and take in information about Mars' atmosphere.
Weighing as much as an SUV at around 5,400 pounds, the orbiter is 37.5 feet long from solar wingtip to wingtip.
Maven is an abbreviation for "Mars Atmosphere and Volatile EvolutioN." The orbiter has eight scientific instruments with nine sensors to study the planet's atmospheric makeup. Scientists hope to discover how Mars reacts to solar winds and storms that may be stripping away the planet's molecules over time.
If they find what is slowly stripping away the planet's atmosphere, scientists may be able to figure out how Mars' atmosphere and climate have evolved.
NASA's 21st mission to Mars since the 1960s cost $671 million and is the first to focus on the planet's climate change and atmosphere.
The Maven mission was halted for two days but overcame the recent government shutdown to launch on time, winning a special exemption.
Information gathered by the spacecraft may explain some old mysteries such as the liquid water that once flowed over the planet's surface. Scientists believe Mars once had an atmosphere thick and warm enough to hold water and potentially support microbial life.
Once the mission is complete, the spacecraft could serve for 10 years as a communications relay for current and future rovers and landers working on the surface of Mars.
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