InSight Launches to Mars
NASA's InSight Mars lander lifted off from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on May 5, 2018 at 7:05 a.m. EDT (1105 GMT). See photos from the historic launch here. [Full Story: NASA's InSight Mars Lander Launches to Probe Red Planet's Deep Interior]
Meet InSight
Here's an artist's view of what NASA's InSight will look like on Mars. The probe's launch on May 5, 2018 was just the first leg in a 6-month journey to the Red Planet.
On the Launchpad
InSight launched atop a United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket. Here, the rocket stands atop Space Launch Complex 3 at its Vandenberg Air Force launch site in California. May 5 was a foggy day for launch.
Above the Clouds
NASA's Mars Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations (InSight) mission lifts off on an Atlas V rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on May 5, 2018.
Liftoff into a Red Sky
A mission bound for the Red Planet lifts off into a red sky as light from the rocket's flame illuminates the thick fog.
Liftoff!
The Atlas V rocket with the InSight lander on top fires its engines for a smooth, on-time liftoff.
Ascent
NASA's Mars Interior Exploration using Seismic Investigations (InSight) mission lifts off on an Atlas V rocket from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California on May 5, 2018.
The Rocket's Yellow Glare
The Atlas V rocket's engine burns brightly in the predawn sky in this view from the rocket booster.
Go, Atlas V, Go!
The United Launch Alliance Atlas V rocket carrying NASA's InSight Mars soars into space after launching from Vandenberg Air Force Base in California before dawn on May 5, 2018.
Marsbound
Smoke billows from Space Launch Complex 3 at Vandenberg Air Force Base in California shortly after liftoff of the Atlas V rocket with NASA's InSight Mars lander on board.
A Colorful Burn
The Atlas V's rocket flames glow with a hint of teal and pink in this view of InSight's launch.
