Illustration of Mars 2020 spacecraft's cruise stage (blue) separating from the aeroshell (white). The cruise stage contains the equipment the spacecraft needs to reach Mars such as fuel and solar panels. The spacecraft is part of the Mars 2020 mission to study the planet's geology and search for signs of life. Mars 2020 launched on 30th July 2020 and is expected to land on Mars on 18th February 2021.