On Friday the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter lifted off on a seven month journey to the red planet on a mission to see if there is any evidence of water.
Once in place the orbiter will not only conduct sub surface mapping and weather surveys, but will also be acting as a communications and navigations link for future missions.
The cameras on board will be able to detect a dinner plate sized object on the surface in order to assist in future landing site selection. It will also be the first link in the ‘Interplanetary Internet’ system that will link other space missions in a more efficient manner.