On July 30, 2020, NASA, partnering with the United Launch Alliance launched an Atlas V rocket into space. The mission? To deliver the Perseverance rover to the surface of Mars.

The Atlas V rocket that successfully catapulted the Perseverance into its path to the Red Planet contains a number of EBAD components, including TiNi ™ Frangibolts and NEA® HDRM’s for instrument/payload releases. The Atlas also relies on Frangible Joint Assemblies (FJA), Linear Shaped Charge (LSC), and Flexible Confined Detonating Cord Assembly (FCDCA) for mission success.

Once the Perseverence reaches the surface of Mars (expected in February 2021), its main job will be to seek signs of ancient life and collect rock and soil samples. Scientists hope the samples can be returned to Earth for extensive study. Also on board the mission is the Ingenuity helicopter, a four-pound drone copter that hopes to achieve flight on Mars, allowing greater opportunities for exploration.

Learn more about the mission to Mars, and track the countdown to landing on NASA’s website.