NASA has already launched four rover missions to Mars and each has been monumental in our understanding of the red planet. However, this fifth one, called "Perseverance" could be the most important of the bunch.

That's because this rover has been launched specifically to find life on Mars, which is the first ever mission that has been launched explicitly to do so.

Scientists have long suspected that there could have been life on Mars once upon a time. There are pieces of evidence that show that Mars was once home to massive oceans, similar to the ones we have here on Earth.

And where there is water, we usually suspect the presence of life; at least as we know it. So, Perseverance will hopefully answer whether there is or there ever was life on Mars.

Successful Launch

NASA launched the rover mission using the Atlas V rocket. There was a mini earthquake just before the rocket was launched. Fortunately, it didn't cause any delays in the launch.

Now, the rover will need seven months to reach Mars and upon arrival, will land at the Jezero Crater on February 18, 2021. The Jezero Crater was chosen because it is suspected to have been home to a huge lake once. If there was life there, the ancient remains could still be buried underground.

Another interesting thing about this mission is that it is the first one to include a helicopter that will fly on Mars. The rover will also tell us whether it will be possible for future settlers to produce Oxygen on Mars.

Humanity is definitely taking larger steps in our bid to become a multi-planetary species. At this point, it is just a matter of when and not if.