File:KSC-05-S-00033 (ksc 012805 mars recon).webm

English: This July will mark the two-year anniversary of the launch of the twin Mars Exploration Rovers, Spirit and Opportunity. Since Mars passes close to Earth every 26 months, that means it's almost time for NASA to launch a new mission to the Red Planet -- the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter. Set to launch in August, the Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter will build on the discoveries and advances of recent successful Mars missions. The orbiter will call upon its suite of innovative scientific instruments to study the atmosphere, terrain and even what lies below the planet's surface. The Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter will snap photos of selected targets on Mars' rough surface in more detail than any previous orbiter, revealing features as small as a coffee table. The mission will allow scientists on Earth to study martian terrain too dangerous to visit. It will also help determine which future landing sites might yield the most science. This information will become increasingly important in years to come, as NASA plans missions to the Moon, Mars and beyond as part of the Vision for Space Exploration.