Editing Mars Science Laboratory (section)

=== Launch vehicle ===
The [[Atlas V]] launch vehicle is capable of launching up to {{convert|8290|kg|lb|abbr=on}} to [[geostationary transfer orbit]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.ulalaunch.com/rockets/atlas-v |title=Atlas V |publisher=United Launch Alliance |access-date=May 1, 2018}}</ref> The Atlas V was also used to launch the ''[[Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter]]'' and the ''[[New Horizons]]'' probe.<ref name="oig report"/><ref name="LaunchVehicle"/>

The first and second stages, along with the solid rocket motors, were stacked on October 9, 2011, near the launch pad.<ref name="universetoday7"/> The fairing containing MSL was transported to the launch pad on November 3, 2011.<ref name="NASA's new Mars rover reaches Florida launch pad"/>